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Polars Data Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Proficiency in modern Python data and ML libraries (e.g., PyTorch, NumPy, Pandas/Polars) * Familiarity with software engineering best practices, including testing, version control, and code review

Polars Data information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$44.7K

$160.4K

$236.7K

How much do polars data jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for polars data in Raleigh, NC is $160,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,800.00 and $165,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Polars Data professional?

Polars Data professionals are specialists who work with Polars, a fast DataFrame library designed for data manipulation and analysis, particularly in Python and Rust. They use Polars to efficiently process large datasets, perform data cleaning, transformation, and analysis tasks. These professionals often have backgrounds in data science, analytics, or software engineering, and choose Polars for its speed and scalability compared to traditional libraries like pandas. Their work is valuable in fields that require rapid data processing, such as finance, research, and technology.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working with Polars Data, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with Polars Data often encounter challenges such as adapting to its unique API, optimizing data processing workflows for performance, and integrating Polars with other data tools. Since Polars is relatively new compared to libraries like pandas, there may be limited community support or documentation for complex use cases. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to actively engage with the Polars community, regularly review official documentation, and experiment with different optimization strategies. Collaborating with team members familiar with similar data processing frameworks can also accelerate the learning curve.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Polars Data engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polars Data Engineer, you need strong skills in data engineering, Python programming, and a solid understanding of the Polars library for efficient data processing. Familiarity with data pipeline tools, cloud platforms, and proficiency in using Polars for large-scale, high-performance data manipulation is typical, alongside knowledge of version control systems like Git. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating data needs into actionable solutions. These skills ensure you can design robust, scalable data workflows and deliver timely insights for data-driven decision-making.

What is the difference between Polars Data vs Data Analyst?

AspectPolars DataData Analyst
Required SkillsData manipulation, programming in Python/R, familiarity with data processing librariesData interpretation, reporting, visualization skills, basic programming
Work EnvironmentData processing, scripting, working with large datasetsBusiness analysis, presenting insights, collaborating with teams
Industry UsageData engineering, data science, analytics projectsBusiness intelligence, reporting, decision support

Polars Data focuses on efficient data processing and manipulation using programming tools, often in data engineering or data science contexts. Data Analysts primarily interpret data, create reports, and support business decisions. While both roles work with data, Polars Data is more technical and programming-oriented, whereas Data Analysts focus on analysis and communication of insights.

Infographic showing various Polars Data job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $160,411 per year, or $77.1 per hour.

Research Engineer-Data & Analytics

Berriehill Research

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is actively seeking a highly qualified engineer/scientist for the development of data analytic tools and techniques for the Intelligence and Defense communities. Application areas involve data analytics, machine learning, probabilistic modeling, intelligent systems, and software systems supporting these methods. The engineer/scientist will join a multi-disciplinary collaborative team of engineers and scientists.

We are seeking a highly qualified engineer/scientist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have active interest in applying software development and math/statistics/engineering concepts to solve multi-disciplinary problems. Candidate will have strong analytical skills and will be capable of translating ideas and proposed solutions into software tools and algorithms. The candidate should be familiar with improving/optimizing/tuning existing algorithms as well as development of new algorithms from scratch. This will include software design, software development, and debugging / issue resolution. The candidate should demonstrate a hands-on approach to problem solving and must be willing to actively participate in evaluation of algorithm and system performance. Strong critical thinking, problem solving, and debugging skills are required.

Scientists/engineers who are passionate about applying their expertise to solve problems of national importance, have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and are seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth in a stable environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Requirements:

  • The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
  • BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field with 5+ years of experience
  • Strong software development skills and proficiency in Python
  • Solid mathematical foundation (e.g., linear algebra, probability)
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas: data modeling and analytics, machine learning, probabilistic modeling, or intelligent agents
  • Ability to work with data: preprocessing, transformation, and basic SQL or data storage concepts
  • Proficiency in modern Python data and ML libraries (e.g., PyTorch, NumPy, Pandas/Polars)
  • Familiarity with software engineering best practices, including testing, version control, and code review
  • Experience going from problem statement to prototype to production-ready algorithms
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

      Preferences:

      Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following, you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.

      • PhD or MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
      • Experience in cloud-based, parallel, or distributed computing
      • Ability and desire to quickly learn new domains
      • Experience working on intelligence and DoD programs
      • Prior / existing DoD security clearance

        Who is ARA?  

        Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,112 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. 

        ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.  

        To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/