Machine Learning & Data Engineer, Bureau of Data Technology & Strategy

The Department of Health/Mental Hygiene is hiring a Machine Learning & Data Engineer within the Bureau of Data Technology & Strategy to help build integrated, scalable, and secure data pipelines and a platform for real-time and batch ingestion and processing. This position supports public health data modernization, strengthens data sharing, and contributes to data governance, quality, and security practices. The role is based in Queens, NY (onsite) at 42-09 28th Street.

Role scope

This role focuses on developing and maintaining end-to-end data infrastructure that enables efficient data exchange, analysis, surveillance, and reporting. You will work with public health data stewards to translate data requirements into integrated data architecture, including the integration of public health data standards and practices. You will also guide the selection of technologies and tools used to enhance analytics and data science capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support integrated data pipelines that enable efficient data exchange, analysis, surveillance, and reporting.
• Collaborate with public health data stewards to understand health informatics data needs and integrate public health data standards into the integrated data architecture.
• Develop and maintain scalable, secure data pipelines and a platform for real-time and batch ingestion and processing from diverse internal and external data sources.
• Guide the selection and implementation of data technologies and tools to improve analytics and data science capabilities.
• Promote data governance, quality, and security best practices to support compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to align data infrastructure enhancements with the needs of diverse units.

Requirements

• Planning and project management skills, with the ability to adapt to new information and changing needs.
• Experience modeling population-level health outcomes, infectious disease transmission, behavioral dynamics, or health systems operations.
• Experience working with structured and unstructured datasets, including data from NYC or other municipal contexts.
• Knowledge of statistical inference, uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, and validation techniques for simulation models.
• Prioritization and time management skills.
• Interpersonal and communication skills, including managing working relationships with individuals at all levels.
• High degree of self-awareness, humility, and diplomacy.
• 4 or more years of experience in data engineering, building and managing scalable data pipelines.
• Experience with cloud-based data solutions (Azure, AWS, or GCP), programming (Python, R), Linux systems, and big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark).
• Familiarity with health informatics and public health data standards (HL7, FHIR), including understanding health-related data management needs.
• Experience developing simulation modeling (agent-based models, discrete event simulations, system dynamic models).
• Experience identifying and integrating datasets for simulation or predictive modeling use.
• Ability to translate modeling outputs into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Experience conducting scenario analysis to support policy or program decision-making.
• Ability to mentor more junior staff, manage projects, and collaborate across diverse functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills to convey technical concepts to a broad audience.

Technologies

• Azure, AWS, GCP
• Python, R
• Linux
• Hadoop, Spark
• HL7, FHIR
• Agent-based models, discrete event simulations, system dynamic models

Compensation and posting details

• Salary range: USD 109,565 to 135,000 per year
• Minimum experience: 4 years
• Education: master’s degree
• Posted on: 09/30/2026
• Posted until: 11/29/2026
• Job ID: 803214
• Civil service title: CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST
• Title classification: Non-Competitive-5
• Experience level: Experienced (non-manager)
• Job level: 4A
• Number of positions: 1
• Category: Technology, Data & Innovation
• No exam required: No exam required
• Title code: 21744

Minimum qualifications (civil service)

• For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health): a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
• To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have a doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science plus one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity; or a master’s degree plus three years of responsible full-time research experience.
• Probationary period: minimum probationary period of one year.

Residency requirement

• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment.
• City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.
• Discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview to determine whether the residency requirement applies.

Benefits

• Loan Forgiveness: federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen payments or fully forgive your full balance.
• Health insurance: premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• Public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Robust Worksite Wellness Program.
• Work From Home Policy: depending on position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.