Principal Systems Programmer, Healthcare Innovations
Join AIR as a Principal Systems Programmer and use your experience and expertise to help us deliver on our mission: to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world for all. As a senior technical leader, you will drive innovation in data science, architect scalable programming solutions, and influence strategic decisions across AIR’s health portfolio. This role is ideal for a seasoned expert who thrives on solving complex data challenges, mentoring high-performing teams, and contributing to impactful research that promotes equity and evidence-based policy.
ThePrincipal Systems Programmerwill report to AIR's Healthcare Innovations Team, which supports high-quality implementation and produces rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of new approaches to care and payment—translating findings into actionable insights for policymakers, payers, providers, and patients.
This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.
About AIR:
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities for the position include:
- Serve as the principal architect for designing data systems to support AIR’s health research projects, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and reproducibility.
- Lead cross-functional teams in the development of innovative data solutions, using tools such as Databricks; R (the R statistical programming language); Python; Stata; SAS (Statistical Analysis System); and Git within Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) environments, including the Integrated Data Repository (IDR), Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse (CCW), and Virtual Research Data Center (VRDC).
- Provide strategic oversight of data management and analytics pipelines, including governance, automation, and quality assurance.
- Design and implement advanced statistical programming methodologies for complex longitudinal, hierarchical, and multi-source datasets.
- Act as a senior advisor to project directors, statisticians, and clients on data strategy, analytic design, and technical feasibility.
- Spearhead the development of enterprise-wide programming standards, reusable assets, and documentation practices.
- Mentor and coach senior programmers and analysts, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
- Lead technical contributions to proposals, including conceptualizing analytic frameworks, developing budgets, and writing compelling technical narratives.
- Represent AIR in high-level client engagements, conferences, and professional forums, showcasing AIR’s capabilities and thought leadership.
- Monitor emerging technologies and trends in data science and health analytics, recommending strategic investments and innovations.
Qualifications:
Education, Knowledge, and Experience
- Master’s degree or higher in Statistics, Data Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, Economics, or a related quantitative discipline or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum of 11 years of progressive experience in programming health data, with demonstrated impact in health research or evaluation.
- Demonstrated experience using Medicare and Medicaid enrollment and claims/encounter data within CMS environments (e.g. IDR, CCW, VRDC).
- Demonstrated experience designing complex data systems drawing from multiple data sources.
- Proven track record of leading large-scale, multi-disciplinary data projects and teams.
- Deep experience with secure computing environments, data privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA), and governance frameworks.
Skills
- Strategic thinking with the ability to align technical solutions with organizational goals.
- Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong business development acumen and proposal writing experience.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts to audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
- High level of initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
- Proficiency in complementary tools and languages (e.g., R, Python, SQL, Git, cloud platforms) is preferred, but not required.
Disclosures: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.
American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.
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AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.
Anticipated Annual Salary Range
$150,250—$200,340 USD