227-26 Software Development Specialist 1 "Analytics Engineer"

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)

NOTE: Applicants are required to submit a completed State of New Jersey Application (DPF-663.pdf) for Employment with their resume at the time of application. Failure to do so will result in disqualification for this position.

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 or computer analysis. 

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.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: As a prospective employee of the State of New Jersey, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/. 

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their Website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml,  email: CSC-SAME@csc.nj.gov,  or call CSC at (609) 292-4144, option 3. 

UNIT SCOPE: Any appointments made from postings which involve movement between unit scopes may result in a forfeiture of rights to any promotional list in a former unit scope. A complete list of DCF unit scopes can be found here DCF_UNIT_SCOPE_LIST_5.29.2026.xlsb

RESIDENCY: Effective 9/1/11, NJ PL 70 (NJ First Act), requires all State employees to reside in New Jersey, unless exempted under the law, or current employees who live out-of-state and do not have a break-in service of more than 7 calendar days, as they are “grandfathered.” New employees or current employees who were not grandfathered and who live out-of-state have one year after the date of employment to relocate their residence to New Jersey or request an exemption. Current employees who reside in NJ must retain NJ residency, unless he/she obtains an exemption. Employees who fail to meet the residency requirements or obtain an exemption will be removed from employment.

AUTHORIZATION TO WORK: Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Regulations. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.