Lead SAS/Python Developer (Contract/FTE

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Lead SAS/Python Developer (Contract/FTE) based in the Canada . Take a leading role in a large-scale data modernization initiative focused on transitioning legacy SAS workloads to modern Python-based environments. In this hands-on technical leadership position, you will guide migration strategies, modernize analytical workflows, and develop scalable, reliable solutions using Python, Anaconda, SQL, and Unix-based automation. You will work closely with business stakeholders, developers, and infrastructure teams to translate complex requirements into maintainable applications and efficient data pipelines. The role combines software development, technical governance, code quality improvement, and mentorship to ensure successful migration and decommissioning of legacy systems. This fully remote opportunity is available on a contract or full-time basis and requires the ability to collaborate during Central Standard Time (CST) working hours. Accountabilities - Provide technical leadership and hands-on development throughout SAS-to-Python migration, legacy system decommissioning, and modernization initiatives. - Analyze complex business and technical requirements, define implementation strategies, and design scalable, reliable, and maintainable solutions. - Assess, interpret, and migrate existing SAS programs, datasets, workflows, and analytical processes into Python-based environments. - Develop, test, debug, and maintain high-quality Python applications, scripts, and data processing solutions using Anaconda and related technologies. - Build and maintain Unix/Linux-based automation scripts and data pipelines, including scheduled processes using CRON. - Establish and promote coding standards, development best practices, reusable patterns, and consistent approaches to software quality. - Conduct code reviews and technical design reviews, provide constructive feedback, and guide developers on implementation decisions.

- Optimize applications and data workflows for performance, scalability, reliability, and long-term maintainability. - Identify technical risks, migration dependencies, compatibility challenges, and implementation obstacles, driving issues through to resolution. - Maintain accurate technical documentation, source code repositories, and version control practices using Git. - Collaborate with business stakeholders, developers, infrastructure teams, and other technical partners to align migration activities with business objectives. - Serve as a technical point of contact for migration and development activities, supporting technical decisions and ensuring successful delivery from requirements through implementation. Requirements: - Significant senior-level software development experience, including demonstrated technical leadership in complex development, modernization, or migration initiatives. - Strong hands-on proficiency in Python, including the Anaconda environment, along with solid experience in SAS and SQL. - Proven ability to understand, interpret, troubleshoot, and modernize complex SAS programs, datasets, and analytical workflows. - Experience working with relational databases and data platforms, particularly Netezza and Amazon Redshift. - Strong Linux/Unix scripting skills and experience building automated data processing workflows. - Familiarity with CRON scheduling and automation of recurring jobs and processes. - Strong experience in unit testing, debugging, code optimization, performance tuning, and software quality assurance. - Experience conducting code reviews, defining development standards, establishing reusable coding practices, and providing technical direction to other developers.