Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner seeks to hire a senior data engineer for the Rhode Island Longitudinal Data System Center (RILDS).
In collaboration with RILDS staff and partners, the senior data engineer oversees engineering products from development to deployment. This position is responsible for ensuring the availability, usability, quality, privacy, and security of the RILDS data and applications. The role involves importing Rhode Island state administrative and other data into the system, linking it at the person and family level across sectors and over time, with a high degree of independence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Data & Application Management
Manage engineering products with a high level of autonomy, utilizing advanced programming skills to develop, test, deploy, and update RILDS and related applications. Support the RILDS director with managing access controls, implementing technical fixes, and formulating recovery procedures. Identify opportunities to automate and streamline development tasks, while implementing national best practices in data management and cybersecurity. Lead teams, including colleagues, consultants, and external partners, in the development and execution of engineering projects.
Advance RILDS’ purpose of “connect[ing] data across sectors over time to support research aligned with the state’s priorities, inform policymaking and program evaluation, and improve the well-being of all Rhode Islanders.” Import Rhode Island state administrative and other data into RILDS and link these data at an individual level across sectors and over time. Coordinate with Data Contributing Agencies and analytical team to collect data and establish data models.
Operational Leadership
Assist RILDS leadership with product development, including requirements elicitation, resource estimation, and dependency documentation. Under the supervision of the director, monitor project scope and deliverables against product contract or plan.
Maintain deep and up-to-date knowledge of RILDS datasets and systems, including developing familiarity with partner data, systems, and priorities. Draft, learn, and follow RILDS policies and processes, including for confidentiality, privacy, and security of data. Lead engineering team documentation efforts and contribute to overall RILDS documentation efforts.
Ensure that RILDS and other applications meet the needs of RILDS center staff and partners. Provide support and training on the use of RILDS and other applications. With RILDS staff, collaboratively prioritize engineering projects and define architecture. Evaluate feature requests and maintain backlog. Perform final quality assurance review for engineering products.
Work closely with the RILDS director and engineering staff to manage engineering portfolio, including onboarding and training documentation. Assist with new employee orientation and skill/profession development.
Collaborate with other staff and partners to prepare funding proposals.
Communications
Cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders, including Rhode Island state agencies, Rhode Island municipal governments, national advocacy organizations, community foundations, and research institutions. Participate in meetings with partners, promoting RILDS and presenting on RILDS projects, products, and services as needed.
Contribute to communications materials, including website and social media.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of four years of professional experience managing relational databases.
OR
Master’s degree and a minimum of two years of professional experience managing relational databases.
The ideal candidate will have experience with a range of technologies, including Linux, Python, Django, SQL, and AWS, to develop, deploy, and manage scalable applications.
Skills
- Demonstrated experience using programming/scripting languages, e.g., SQL and/or Python, for data management
- Demonstrated experience using Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Proven track record managing relational databases
- Knowledge of common data structures and algorithms
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated project and product management skills
- Ability to respond to changing priorities and ensure timely, accurate deliverables
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse populations
This is a non-union, non-classified, full-time position with a pay grade of 14. The senior engineer reports to the RILDS director. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. The job will remain posted until a candidate is hired.
