Data Visualization Analyst

About the role

Westat is a research and analytics organization that supports public- and private-sector clients with data collection, statistical analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Its work is centered on evidence-based insights that help advance health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. The team values curiosity, strong statistical rigor, adaptable methods, and modern technology.

Westat is hiring a Data Visualization Analyst for its Statistics and Data Science Center. The role focuses on building and delivering interactive dashboards and reporting products with Tableau and Power BI, along with data preparation and analysis using R, Python, and SQL.

This position is based in Bethesda, Maryland and follows a hybrid setup, with 1 to 2 onsite days per week.

Applicants should be prepared to share a portfolio sample during the interview process to demonstrate relevant data visualization work.

Key responsibilities

• Create dashboards and visual reports using Tableau, Power BI, and open-source visualization libraries in R and Python.
• Write R and Python code to clean, transform, and analyze data.
• Use SQL to query databases and process data files.
• Convert business needs into dashboard structures and visual analytics solutions that are easy to understand and use.
• Maintain documentation for dashboards, reporting processes, and data sources.
• Review teammates’ visualizations and provide feedback to help ensure accessibility, user experience quality, and sound data visualization practices.
• Work closely with project teams and clients throughout design, build, and rollout phases for dashboards and visual products.
• Deliver presentations to both internal teams and external clients.

Required qualifications

• Eligibility to obtain a Public Trust clearance, which requires consistent U.S. residency for most of the past five years.
• Bachelor’s degree in data visualization, information design, graphic design, data science, computer science, statistics, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in data visualization or business intelligence.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of Tableau and Power BI, plus a solid understanding of data analysis methods.
• Experience using R, Python, and SQL for data manipulation.
• Design capability with an understanding of UI/UX best practices and the ability to turn data into clear, actionable insights.
• Experience developing, querying, and managing large database files.
• Working knowledge of Git for version control.

Preferred background

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience in a professional services or research-focused environment.
• Awareness of industry best practices and new technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a track record of generating practical insights from complex data.
• Interest in learning data science and AI-related methods such as natural language processing, machine learning, and large language models.
• Willingness to stay current with new trends in visualization and analytics.
• Good verbal and written communication skills for explaining technical topics to non-technical audiences.
• Strong organization, time management, and multitasking ability, with the flexibility to work independently and collaboratively.

Benefits and compensation

• Estimated salary range: $68,000 to $73,400, depending on experience.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid parental leave.
• Vacation leave: 15 days per year.
• Sick leave: 9 days per year.
• Holiday leave: 7 government holidays plus 2 floating holidays each year.
• Professional development support.
• Health Advocate support service.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Travel accident insurance.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Life, AD&D, critical illness, and supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Health Savings Account.

Additional terms

Employment may depend on the outcome of a post-offer background screening where required for the role. Screening may include identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle record checks, and criminal or sexual offender record checks. Any results are reviewed individually against the responsibilities and requirements of the position.

This opening will remain available for at least 5 days, and applications will continue to be accepted on an ongoing basis.

This is a U.S.-based role. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship, including H-1B sponsorship, is not provided for this position. Some assignments may also require meeting specific residency requirements depending on project needs.

Westat is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Massachusetts law prohibits requiring or administering a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment, and violations may result in criminal penalties and civil liability.

Career area: Research - Statistics.