Automation & Systems Engineer (Specialist)

HigherEdJobs; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Job summary

The Hilltop Institute is seeking an Automation & Systems Engineer to design, develop, and support automated solutions that improve operational efficiency and data processing across the organization.

The role combines software development, systems engineering, AI-enabled technologies, and process improvement to eliminate manual work and streamline workflows for evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
• 1+ years of hands-on experience developing applications, scripts, and automation using Python.
• Strong analytical and communication skills to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain automation solutions using Python and related technologies to reduce manual effort and improve reliability.
• Develop integrations between applications, databases, and platforms; troubleshoot issues and document processes.
• Create apps, scripts, APIs, data pipelines, and data integrations; follow testing and version-control practices.
• Explore and evaluate AI-driven solutions and automation tools to boost productivity and decision-making.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into technical implementations and assist with project delivery.

Skills

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Title

Automation & Systems Engineer (Specialist)

Description

The Hilltop Institute is seeking an Automation & Systems Engineer to join its Technology Innovation team. The incumbent will be responsible for designing, developing, and supporting automated solutions that improve operational efficiency, data processing, and system reliability across the organization. This role combines software development, systems engineering, AI-enabled technologies, and process improvement to eliminate manual work, streamline workflows, and support evolving business needs.

Department

The Hilltop Institute

The Hilltop Institute conducts research and policy analysis to support health care financing and delivery system reform in Maryland and other states. With access to an extensive onsite data repository that includes Medicaid and Medicare administrative data, hospital discharge data, nursing home assessment data, and all-payer claims data, Hilltop conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform health care payment, program design, monitoring, and evaluation. Widely recognized for its expertise in Medicaid, Hilltop is at the forefront of national efforts to find data-driven solutions to complex problems facing state policymakers.

Position Overview

The Hilltop Institute is seeking an Automation & Systems Engineer to join its Technology Innovation team. The incumbent will be responsible for designing, developing, and supporting automated solutions that improve operational efficiency, data processing, and system reliability across the organization. This role combines software development, systems engineering, AI-enabled technologies, and process improvement to eliminate manual work, streamline workflows, and support evolving business needs.

Why Work at UMBC

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $61,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

Telework

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will perform tasks such as:

• Designing, developing, and maintaining automation solutions using Python and other technologies to reduce manual effort, improve operational efficiency, and streamline business and technical processes while monitoring performance and reliability.
• Developing and supporting integrations between applications, databases, and platforms to improve the flow of data and information across systems; troubleshooting technical issues and assisting with system maintenance
  activities, and documenting processes, workflows, and technical solutions.
• Developing applications, scripts, APIs, data pipelines, and integration solutions using Python and related technologies.
• Following software development best practices including testing, version control, documentation, and code reviews to ensure maintainable and reliable solutions.
• Researching, evaluating, and assisting with the implementation of AI-driven solutions, generative AI tools, intelligent automation technologies, and other emerging technologies; identifying practical opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and decision-making through innovative technical solutions.
• Working closely with business and technical stakeholders to understand requirements, translate operational needs into technical solutions, and assist with project implementation.
• Contributing to knowledge sharing and continuously expanding technical skills and expertise.
• Partnering with the Hilltop Programming Operations team to identify automation opportunities, improve operational processes, and support technical solutions that enhance data accessibility, reporting capabilities, and overall efficiency.
• Serving as a liaison with UMBC's Department of Information Technology (DoIT) to support infrastructure, security, networking, and enterprise technology initiatives that impact Hilltop systems and operations.
• Assisting with cloud, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructure activities, including system monitoring, deployment support, automation, and environment maintenance; supporting efforts to ensure systems remain secure, reliable, and scalable.
• Assisting with the administration and automation of application, database, and system access controls; supporting code and application deployments across development, testing, and production environments while following established security and change-management procedures.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferably in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
• 1+ years of hands‑on experience developing applications, scripts, and automation solutions using Python.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills (both written and verbal), along with the ability to work effectively with technical and non‑technical stakeholders in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will also possess the following preferred competencies:

• Experience working with databases, APIs, data integration processes, and version control systems
• Familiarity with cloud technologies, system integrations, automation frameworks, artificial intelligence tools, and modern software development practices

Background Screening Statement

A background check will be required.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Benefits

UMBC offers a rich