Data Engineer (Public Trust Required)

Description

ICF is seeking a detail-oriented Data Engineer to support the development, optimization, and deployment of large-scale healthcare data pipelines and analytical datasets. This role will focus on cancer registry and population-based data systems. As part of the team contributing to the fight against cancer, you will work with high-volume, complex structured datasets using NAACCR registry-standard formats. ICF partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor cancer diagnoses, incidence rates, geographic distribution, and treatment patterns.

These efforts enable researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to better understand and combat cancer. In this role, you may also have the opportunity to support a diverse range of projects across multiple clients and subject areas, allowing you to your technical expertise and gain new skills. Historically, most of our projects are small to medium in size, providing team members with the opportunity to play an active role throughout the full project lifecycle - from requirements gathering and design to implementation, validation, and maintenance.

This position can be based in Rockville, MD or Atlanta, GA and offers a hybrid work arrangement, 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 in cloud environments

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:

Position requires a 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

The position requires strong expertise in data integration, transformation, quality control, and the delivery of production-ready data for analytics and reporting platforms.

Demonstrated hands-on experience with Python, PySpark, Spark SQL, and commonly used Python libraries for data processing and analysis

Experience with Python libraries such as pandas, NumPy, PyArrow, matplotlib, Plotly, or similar tools

Position requires experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or similar cloud environments

Experience handling large databases and high-volume datasets (millions+ records)

Must have experience with SAS and/or R

Experience implementing data quality validation and QC frameworks

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust

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 (Example: Git, SVN) Professional Experience:

Works well in a team environment and values the expertise and of others

Understands the value of processes and protocol, and is willing to follow them

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$98,614.00 - $167,644.00

Maryland Client Office (MD88)