Software Development Specialist 1 (#227-26)

Software Development Specialist 1 (Posting 227-26)

SALARY: $64,340.11 - $94,061.71

The Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Data Management & Reporting is seeking a qualified candidate for our Software Development Specialist 1 vacancy.The position will be located in Trenton, NJ.

DEFINITION: Under close supervision and monitoring in a state or local government agency, performs analysis, maintenance, programming and support work on modules of existing systems; may develop web applications or websites; does other related work.

SUMMARY: The Analytics Engineer reports to the Administrative Analyst 4 in the Data Platform Unit and is responsible for building and maintaining SQL-based data pipelines, models, and reports that support the Children's System of Care. This role transforms raw data into clean, tested datasets in Azure Synapse for analytics and regulatory reporting. Hands-on and code-focused, the Analytics Engineer writes production SQL, optimizes queries, validates data quality, and collaborates with stakeholders to deliver reliable data products that ensure accuracy and integrity across the platform.

Development & Programming

Code and unit test SQL components (queries, views, stored procedures) based on business requirements

Design and develop data pipelines to ensure efficient and reliable ETL processes

Build robust data models and architectures to support analytics initiatives

Deliver well-defined, transformed, tested, documented, and code-reviewed datasets for analysis

Maintain production data pipelines and reporting systems

Debug data quality issues and implement error-handling processes

Testing & Validation

Prepare test data for unit and integration testing

Test and verify function and performance of new datasets and changes to existing queries

Validate data accuracy between the application (CYBER) and the data warehouse (Azure Synapse)

Implement data validation and monitoring processes to ensure data quality and accuracy

Follow pre-defined test plans for data integration work

Analysis & Support

Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand analytics needs and deliver comprehensive reports, dashboards, and updates

Identify and implement optimizations to enhance query performance, reduce processing time, and increase overall productivity

Modernize existing SQL reports (optimize queries, improve logic, update documentation) and develop datasets for federal and state compliance reporting

Identify, document, communicate, and design solutions for data quality challenges

Communicate findings, recommendations, and conclusions to technical and non-technical audiences

Provide support for ad hoc data requests and analysis

Documentation & Collaboration

Develop and maintain technical documentation for all datasets, queries, and data pipelines

Participate in code reviews to ensure quality and adherence to best practices

Maintain essential records and files related to data systems

Work cooperatively with system administrators, data analysts, and program staff across cross-functional teams

Participate in requirement gathering sessions for new data products

Maintain code repository using Azure DevOps ecosystem

Additional duties

Perform additional job duties as assigned

Technical Requirements:

Must Have:

SQL proficiency (intermediate+): queries, joins, aggregations, CTEs, window functions, stored procedures for data extraction and manipulation

Knowledge of ETL processes, data integration, and data warehousing concepts

Understanding of data modeling and database design principles

Experience with program development and testing tools

Ability to understand decision tables, charts, and diagrams

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think critically and analytically

Knowledge of data quality best practices

Python or other scripting languages for data manipulation and automation

Ability to prepare accurate and informative reports

Excellent communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present insights to business stakeholders

Preferred:

Experience with Azure Synapse, Azure Data Factory, or other cloud data warehouses/platforms

T-SQL and/or PL/SQL

Data visualization tools (Power BI or Tableau)

MS Excel for data validation and analysis

MS Access or other desktop database tools

Python or other scripting languages for data manipulation and automation

Business analysis or requirements gathering experience

Experience with distributed computing frameworks (Spark, Databricks) or big data technologies

Familiarity with workflow orchestration tools (Azure Data Factory, Airflow)

REQUIREMENTS:

NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.

Five (5) years of professional experience in programming, systems programming, computer analysis, or data engineering.

OR

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.

OR

Possession of a master's degree in an information technology field.

NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.

RESUME NOTE: Eligibility determinations will be based upon information presented on the resume only. Applicants who possess a degree from a college or university outside the United States must provide an evaluation of one’s transcripts from a recognized evaluation service at the time of submission by the above closing date. Failure to do so may result in your ineligibility.

LICENSE: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: The Department of Children and Families provides many employee benefits, including but not limited to:

• Alternative Workweek Program*

• Deferred Compensation

• Health, Dental and Life Insurance

• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts

• Pension

• Telework*

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• Benefit Leave (Vacation, Sick, Administrative Leave)

• 13 Paid Holidays

*Pursuant to Department policy, procedures and/or guidelines

RE-EMPLOYMENT LISTS: Applicable special re-employment list established as a result of a layoff will be used before any appointments are made.