Principal Data Analyst

Job#: 3012481

Job Description:
Position Title:

Principal Data Analyst
Location:

IL950 - 100% Remote (Telecommute)
Work Hours:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST
Maximum Rate:

$53/hour
Role Overview:

The Principal Data Analyst will serve as a Medicaid Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Illinois Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) project. This role provides strategic guidance and direction for a large-scale Medicaid data warehouse implementation and ongoing operations. The ideal candidate will leverage deep expertise in Medicaid programs, claims processing, eligibility, and provider data to support decision-making and ensure compliance with CMS standards.
Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direction and recommendations for Medicaid data warehouse implementation and operations.
• Lead internal and external stakeholders in making determinations on complex processes involving claims adjudication, eligibility, and third-party liability.
• Identify state Medicaid agency data needs and propose validated solutions with supporting proof of concepts.
• Guide technical and business teams on healthcare data utilization and best practices.
• Recommend enhancements and improvements based on Medicaid standards, policies, and industry best practices.
• Support development of dashboards, data visualizations, and decision-support tools.
• Partner with stakeholders to gather requirements and deliver critical analytics and reports.
• Manage deliverables and maintain strong communication with executive-level clients.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in Information Technology, including 5+ years working directly with or for State Medicaid agencies.
• Expertise in Medicaid and CHIP programs, including claims, eligibility, and provider enrollment processes.
• Strong knowledge of CMS reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in SQL and Excel for data analysis against large datasets.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and presentation skills; experience interfacing with executives and directors.
• Ability to travel to Springfield, IL 3-4 times per year.
• Strong alignment with organizational values: Integrity, Compassion, Inclusion, Relationships, Innovation, and Performance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with PERM, T-MSIS, CMS Federal Reporting, HEDIS, CHIPRA, or similar quality metrics.
• Familiarity with Teradata or equivalent database management systems.
• Prior experience in healthcare analytics and Medicaid enterprise systems.

Project Summary:

This role supports the Illinois EDW contract, which includes maintenance and operations, reporting and analytics, and design, development, and implementation of Medicaid data solutions. The SME will collaborate with technical and business teams to ensure compliance, optimize processes, and deliver actionable insights.
Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Deep Medicaid expertise with experience in enterprise data warehousing and decision-support systems.
• Ability to lead and influence stakeholders while providing technical and business guidance.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with large-scale healthcare data projects.

Top Skills:

• Medicaid SME experience (5+ years)
• SQL and data analysis
• CMS reporting knowledge

Additional Details:

• Team Structure: 3-4 Project Managers and 20+ Developers.
• Interview Process: 3-4 rounds, video-based, mix of business and technical questions.
• Contract-to-Hire: Open to candidates requiring sponsorship for conversion.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.