Data Visualization Engineer

Data Visualization Engineer

Building interactive dashboards and analytics apps using open-source and enterprise visualization tools

Position Overview
We are seeking a Data Visualization Engineer to design, develop, and maintain interactive data applications and dashboards that enable stakeholders to explore and understand data. This role combines expertise in tools like Power BI, R Shiny, Grist, and Flourish with data storytelling, performance optimization, and integration into enterprise data workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Dashboard & Visualization Development

• Design and build interactive dashboards using Power BI, R Shiny, Grist, and Flourish
• Create rich, accessible data visualizations to support decision-making and storytelling
• Implement custom themes, visual interactions, and drill-down capabilities for user engagement
• Ensure visualizations are responsive, performant, and aligned with data governance policies

Data Integration & Preparation

• Connect dashboards to various data sources including SQL databases, APIs, flat files, and cloud storage
• Build data models, transformations, and aggregation logic to support real-time and scheduled dashboards
• Use tools like R, Python, and SQL to pre-process, validate, and structure data for visual use
• Optimize data loading and query performance in complex visualization workflows

Analytics Application Engineering

• Develop modular, reusable components for R Shiny dashboards or Grist-based apps
• Customize and extend Flourish templates or embed visual stories in digital products
• Support self-service analytics via embeddable dashboards or lightweight UIs
• Document dashboard logic and provide user training on visual tools

Collaboration & Governance

• Work with data scientists, analysts, and business users to co-design visual solutions
• Promote best practices in visual design, accessibility, and performance
• Ensure dashboards align with data privacy and security standards (e.g., role-based access)
• Participate in review cycles and quality assurance for production-ready dashboards

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills

• 6+ years experience creating dashboards or visual apps using tools like Power BI, R Shiny, Grist, or Flourish
• Strong understanding of data storytelling, UX design principles, and dashboard layout best practices
• Proficiency in SQL and at least one scripting language (R or Python) for data preparation
• Experience integrating with APIs and configuring real-time or scheduled data refreshes

Engineering & DevOps Skills

• Familiarity with Git-based workflows for version control and collaboration
• Knowledge of deployment practices for R Shiny or Grist apps (e.g., Shiny Server, Docker)
• Understanding of web embedding, iframe security, and publishing controls for interactive visualizations
• Awareness of performance tuning, caching, and lightweight data modeling

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Design, or related field
• Experience building dashboards for public sector, research, or journalistic audiences
• Exposure to JavaScript or D3.js for custom interactive graphics
• Familiarity with BI governance tools (e.g., Power BI Service, RStudio Connect)
• Knowledge of open data standards and visualization ethics for public-facing content