Data Engineer, Public Trust Required

Jobtailor; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 98,614 - 167,644; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking a detail-oriented Data Engineer based in Rockville, MD to develop and optimize healthcare data pipelines focusing on cancer registry systems. This role involves extensive collaboration and the use of tools like Python, PySpark, and SQL.

The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years' experience in data engineering, a BA/BS in a related field, and strong problem-solving skills. This position offers a hybrid work model with competitive compensation ranging from $98,614 to $167,644 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in data engineering or healthcare data.
• Experience handling large databases with millions of records.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain scalable, cloud-based data pipelines.
• Validate and troubleshoot data processing issues.
• Collaborate with teams to implement data solutions.

Skills

Data integration

Python

AWS

Data quality control

SQL

Education

BA/BS in computer science, data science, statistics or related field

Tools

PySpark

SAS

R

Spark SQL

Job description

ICF seeks a detail-oriented Data Engineer to develop, optimize, and deploy large‑scale healthcare data pipelines and analytical datasets, focusing on cancer registry and population‑based data systems. The role supports CDC projects monitoring cancer diagnoses, incidence rates, geographic distribution, and treatment patterns.

Location & Work Arrangement

Position can be based in Rockville, MD or Atlanta, GA. A hybrid work arrangement is offered with 2–3 days per week onsite at the ICF office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable, cloud‑based data pipelines using Python, PySpark, and SQL.
• Process and standardize large‑scale healthcare datasets, including cancer registry, mortality, and population data.
• Develop and maintain production databases, analytic datasets, and reporting tables for statistical analysis and surveillance.
• Perform rigorous data quality validation, reconciliation, and consistency checks across large datasets.
• Collaborate with epidemiologists, statisticians, and analysts to design and implement data solutions for analytics needs.
• Troubleshoot data pipeline failures and large‑scale data processing issues.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in data engineering or working with healthcare data environments.
• BA/BS in computer science, data science, statistics, public health informatics, bioinformatics, or related field.
• Strong expertise in data integration, transformation, quality control, and delivery of production‑ready data for analytics and reporting platforms.
• Hands‑on experience with Python, PySpark, Spark SQL, pandas, NumPy, PyArrow, matplotlib, Plotly, or similar libraries.
• Experience with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or similar cloud environments.
• Experience handling large databases and high‑volume datasets (millions+ records).
• Proficiency with SAS and/or R.
• Experience implementing data quality validation and QC frameworks.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency; ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust suitability.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Experience with XML/XSLT/XML path.
• Proven experience migrating SAS‑based pipelines to Python/PySpark or cloud‑native architectures.
• Experience with cloud‑based data platforms, data lakes, cloud storage, serverless functions, and containerized applications.
• Experience developing and optimizing PySpark pipelines for large‑scale data processing.
• Version control with Git, SVN, or similar.

Professional Experience

• Works well in a team environment and values the expertise of others.
• Understands the value of processes and protocols, and is willing to follow them.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

EEO Statement

ICF is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable accommodations are available for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

Compensation

Pay range: $98,614.00 – $167,644.00 (full‑time employment). Location: Maryland Client Office (MD 88).