The SAS to Python/R Migration Architect is responsible for end-to-end strategy, design, and governance of large-scale analytical and statistical code migrations from SAS to modern open-source ecosystems (Python and R). This role focuses on assessment, architecture, standards, risk management, and validation, working closely with stakeholders and development teams to ensure accuracy, performance, and regulatory fidelity.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role, not just documentation or oversight.
Key Responsibilities
Lead enterprise-scale migrations from SAS (Base SAS, PROC SQL, STAT, ETS, MACRO, etc.) to Python and/or R
Perform detailed SAS estate assessments, including:
Code inventory and dependency mapping
Macro complexity analysis
Data access patterns (SAS datasets, DBs, flat files)
Statistical method equivalency analysis
Define target-state architecture for Python/R analytics platforms (libraries, frameworks, environments)
Establish migration patterns and standards, including:
SAS PROC Python/R library mappings
Macro-to-function translation strategies
Reusable templates and shared components
Design validation and reconciliation frameworks to ensure:
Statistical equivalence
Numeric tolerances
Regulatory and audit compliance
Guide performance optimization strategies for large datasets
Identify automation opportunities (code scanners, translators, test harnesses)
Lead technical reviews and approve migrated code
Mentor developers and review complex conversions
Communicate migration risks, tradeoffs, and timelines to leadership
Requirements
8+ years of advanced analytics or statistical programming experience
5+ years hands-on SAS development (Base SAS, PROC SQL, MACRO, STAT)
Proven experience architecting or leading SAS Python and/or R migrations