OverviewAdastra is seeking a Lead SAS/Python Developer to support a large-scale modernization initiative focused on migrating legacy SAS-based workloads to Anaconda/Python. In this role, you will provide technical leadership for SAS decommissioning and migration activities, while remaining hands-on in application migration, automation development, governance activities, and modernization of analytical processes. You will work across technical and business teams to lead the migration or retirement of active SAS workloads, establish development standards, guide technical implementation, and ensure the scalability, reliability, and maintainability of analytical solutions.
Primary Location: Across Canada or USA (must be able to work Central (CST) hours)
Work Model: Fully Remote
Employment Type: Contractor or Full-Time
Vacancy Status: New
RESPONSIBILITIES- Provide technical leadership and hands-on development throughout SAS-to-Python migration and modernization initiatives
- Analyze complex business and technical requirements to design scalable solutions and define technical approaches
- Lead the interpretation and migration of SAS programs, datasets, and processes to Python-based environments
- Develop, test, and maintain high-quality Python applications and scripts
- Build and support Unix-based automation and data processing pipelines
- Establish and promote development standards, coding best practices, and reusable patterns across the team
- Conduct code and technical design reviews and provide guidance to developers
- Optimize applications for performance, scalability, reliability, and maintainability
- Identify technical risks, dependencies, and migration challenges and drive solutions through to resolution
- Maintain technical documentation and source code repositories using Git
- Collaborate with business stakeholders, developers, infrastructure teams, and other technical partners to deliver migration and modernization objectives
- Act as a technical point of contact for development and migration activities, supporting technical decision-making across the initiative
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE- Senior/Lead-level software development experience, including demonstrated experience providing technical leadership within complex development or modernization initiatives
- Strong hands-on expertise in Python, including Anaconda, as well as SQL and SAS
- Strong ability to understand, interpret, and modernize complex SAS programs and workflows
- Experience with relational databases, including Netezza and Redshift
- Strong Linux/Unix scripting experience
- Experience with CRON scheduling and automation
- Strong experience with unit testing, debugging, code optimization, and performance tuning
- Experience conducting code reviews, establishing development standards, and guiding other developers on technical implementation
- Ability to own technical solutions from requirements and design through development, testing, and implementation
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts and recommendations to both technical and business stakeholders
- Ability to collaborate effectively across technical and business teams
- Commitment to code quality, accuracy, maintainability, and continuous improvement
- Ability to work within CST hours is preferred
NICE TO HAVE- Familiarity with GitHub and GitHub Copilot
- Working knowledge of SAS Enterprise Guide
- Working knowledge of JupyterHub
- Previous experience leading or supporting large-scale SAS-to-Python migration or SAS decommissioning initiatives
- Experience mentoring or providing technical direction to development teams
WHAT WE OFFER- Opportunity for advancement and career progression
- Competitive compensation
- Successful referral program
- The opportunity to work with one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies
- Satisfaction of working for a reputable company
- A flexible, dynamic, and diverse workplace
