Research Data Engineer

The Research Bureau is seeking a Research Data Specialist II, otherwise referred to as a Research Data Engineer. The Bureau is looking for people who are passionate about public service and using data to improve lives. This position is a lead data engineer responsible for building efficient pipelines that underpin in-house research and analytics that inform decision-making and improve service delivery across CDSS programs. The Research Data Engineer will operate with minimal oversight on complex, high-stakes projects, linking administrative records across systems, building reproducible data pipelines, designing complex database structures, developing automated workflows that help operationalize research findings, and ensuring the quality and security of sensitive program data. The goal of their work is to use data to inform actions that improve program delivery and outcomes for the people CDSS serves. The primary emphasis of this role will be data engineering in the service of research and public impact. However, candidates should also bring working knowledge of causal research methods (experimental design, quasi-experimental techniques, or program evaluation) to understand what the data infrastructure must support and contribute to evaluation work when needed. If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey. Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest opportunities., Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive. The Research Bureau sits within the Research, Data, and Insights (RDI) Branch of the Research, Automation, and Data Division (RADD) at the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). We are a team of dedicated and compassionate researchers who use both data and computational methods to answer critical policy questions, guide decision-making, rigorously test new interventions, and help scale what works. We work with large-scale administrative and program data and apply quantitative methods to produce actionable evidence for California's leaders and the communities we serve. Our mission is to advance the boundaries of CDSS program knowledge and practice. We synthesize what is known about our programs based on research that meets high methodological standards and bring this knowledge to bear on what we do. We pilot and test new ways of working, from changes to how services are delivered to novel research methods and computational tools, scaling new approaches with demonstrated promise. We use experimentation and learning to transform CDSS' capacity to serve low-income and vulnerable Californians. CDSS Guiding Principles Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging. We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS. Community Engagement We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services. Empowerment We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person have desires and capabilities to lead in their own life. Quality Services We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved. Data Defined Outcomes We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability., The SOQ must be submitted along with the Application/Standard Form (STD) 678 in CalCareers. The SOQ should be typed, with a length of approximately one page, at Arial 12 pt. font. The response should be no more than 500 words. Application packages received without specific responses to the supplemental questionnaire will not be considered. Your SOQ must specifically address the following questions to be considered for this position: Describe a project you led or co-led that required you to both engineer data systems or pipelines and apply quantitative or causal methods to support research, program operations, or decision-making. In your response, address: (a) what research question(s) or policy decision(s) the work aimed to support, and what was at stake; (b) the data sources involved - including their scale, complexity, and any challenges in linking, transforming, or preparing them; (c) the tools and technologies you used (e.g., SQL, Python, R, cloud platforms, version control, orchestration tools); (d) the statistical or causal inference methods you applied and why they were appropriate given the data and question; and (e) how the work was ultimately used to inform decisions or improve outcomes, and what drew you to this kind of work.

Please review the classification specifications, and include accurate and detailed descriptions when describing previous work experience. When describing their work experience applicants should take care to include detailed descriptions of their duties and responsibilities to ensure that their qualifications are evaluated accurately during the candidate screening process. Taking this step will ensure that your educational background and experience will be evaluated accurately during the candidate screening process.

Search CalHR's "CalCareers Tutorials for Job Seekers" for additional information. This series provides guidance for writing a strong Statement of Qualifications, along with tutorials related to job application processes with the State of California. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire. Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to the appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months. Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date: 7/27/2026

Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience building data pipelines and linking records for use in statistical or computational research.
• Proficiency in SQL (Snowflake or similar cloud data warehouse strongly preferred), plus Python and/or R.
• Experience with version control (Git), code review practices, workflow orchestration, CI/CD, or infrastructure-as-code
• Working knowledge of causal inference methods (experimental design, quasi-experimental techniques, or program evaluation)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make technical work accessible to non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated interest in public service and improving outcomes for Californians

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program. TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes. o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

• Vanpool drivers and riders o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.