Information Technology Jobs in Forest Park

Job Title – Lead Data Engineer

Please note this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future

About the role

As a Lead Data Engineer, you will make an impact by designing, building, and operating scalable, cloud‐native data platforms supporting batch and streaming use cases, with strong focus on governance, performance, and reliability. You will be a valued member of the Data Engineering team and work collaboratively with cross‐functional engineering, cloud, and architecture stakeholders.

In this role, you will:

• Design, build, and operate scalable cloud‐native data platforms supporting batch and streaming workloads with strong governance, performance, and reliability.
• Develop and operate data systems on AWS, Azure, and GCP, designing cloud‐native, scalable, and cost‐efficient data solutions.
• Build modern data architectures including data lakes, data lakehouses, and data hubs, with strong understanding of ingestion patterns, data governance, data modeling, observability, and platform best practices.
• Develop data ingestion and collection pipelines using Kafka and AWS Glue; work with modern storage formats such as Apache Iceberg and Parquet.
• Design and develop real‐time streaming pipelines using Kafka, Flink, or similar streaming frameworks, with understanding of event‐driven architectures and low‐latency data processing.
• Perform data transformation and modeling using SQL‐based frameworks and orchestration tools such as dbt, AWS Glue, and Airflow, including Slowly Changing Dimensions (SCD) and schema evolution.
• Use Apache Spark extensively for large‐scale data transformations across batch and streaming workloads.

Work model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 4 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Atlanta, GA. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• Hands‐on experience developing and operating data systems on AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Proven ability to design cloud‐native, scalable, and cost‐efficient data solutions.
• Experience building data lakes, data lakehouses, and data hubs with strong understanding of ingestion patterns, governance, modeling, observability, and platform best practices.
• Expertise in data ingestion and collection using Kafka and AWS Glue, with experience in Apache Iceberg and Parquet.
• Strong experience designing and developing real‐time streaming pipelines using Kafka, Flink, or similar streaming frameworks.
• Deep expertise in data transformation and modeling using SQL‐based frameworks and orchestration tools including dbt, AWS Glue, and Airflow, with knowledge of SCD and schema evolution.
• Extensive experience using Apache Spark for large‐scale batch and streaming data transformations.

These will help you stand out

• Experience with event‐driven architectures and low‐latency data processing.
• Strong understanding of schema evolution, SCD modeling, and modern data modeling concepts.
• Experience with Apache Iceberg, Parquet, and modern ingestion/storage patterns.
• Strong knowledge of observability, governance, and platform best practices.
• Ability to partner effectively with cloud, architecture, and engineering teams.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2025.

The annual salary for this position is between $81,000 - $135,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long‐term/Short‐term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

SBX Technologies, LLC is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support remediation, industrial civil construction, and similar projects. This role is field-focused and best suited for operators who take pride in precision, safety, and productivity on complex industrial sites.

Responsibilities:

• Operate heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, loaders, skid steers, and compactors
• Perform grading, excavation, backfill, trenching, and material handling
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and routine PM maintenance
• Work closely with SBX supervisors, foremen, and safety personnel
• Maintain compliance with site-specific safety plans and SBX safety standards

Required Qualifications:

• Proficient operating the heavy equipment listed above
• Ability to understand project goals including grades and basic site plans
• Strong understanding of jobsite safety and situational awareness
• Willingness to work in varying conditions
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to project sites as required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience remediation projects
• OSHA HAZWOPER 40 certification
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
• Experience working around utilities, substations, or power generation facilities

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits
• Project specific travel benefits
• A culture focused on safety, accountability, and high quality work products
• Growth opportunities

This role is primarily onsite.

The Technical Project Manager (TPM) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering technical projects on time, within scope, and within budget. This role serves as the bridge between internal technical teams and client stakeholders to ensure clear communication, strong execution, and high customer satisfaction.

The TPM will manage multiple concurrent projects such as infrastructure upgrades, Microsoft 365 migrations, security initiatives, onboarding/offboarding, network changes, and other managed service deliverables.

In addition to project delivery, the TPM will support pre-sales efforts for new clients and help identify adjacent service opportunities during project execution. This includes participating in discovery calls, assisting with scoping and Statements of Work (SOWs), and partnering with sales and technical leadership to ensure smooth handoffs from sales to delivery. The TPM plays a key role in driving consistent project execution while supporting client growth through proactive planning and solution alignment.

Technical Project Manager Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end delivery of technical projects from kickoff through closeout
• Define project scope, timeline, milestones, risks, and dependencies
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and status reporting
• Ensure tasks are assigned, tracked, and completed by technical resources
• Coordinate project execution across engineering, service desk, and vendors

Client Communication & Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for project communication

• Run client kickoff meetings, recurring project check-ins, and closeout meetings
• Provide clear updates on progress, risks, changes, and next steps
• Set expectations and proactively manage scope changes
• Maintain a professional, confident, and customer-first presence

Technical Coordination

• Translate business needs into technical requirements and workstreams
• Partner with engineers to validate design, approach, and implementation steps
• Coordinate change windows, downtime, and user communications
• Ensure documentation is captured for support handoff and operational readiness

Risk, Issue, and Change Management

• Identify and escalate risks early
• Track issues to resolution and ensure accountability across teams
• Manage project changes through clear documentation and approval
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to future work

Operational Excellence

• Maintain accurate project notes, documentation, and artifacts
• Track project financials (time, materials, vendor costs) where applicable
• Support internal process improvement, templates, and repeatable playbooks
• Align delivery to company standards and client SLAs

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of project management experience in IT, MSP, or technical services
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365, networking, and endpoint management
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to lead meetings, drive accountability, and manage client expectations

Technical Project Manager Preferred Qualifications

• MSP experience strongly preferred
• Experience with tools such as ConnectWise Manage, Autotask, Jira, , Asana, or Smartsheet
• Familiarity with Microsoft Intune, Entra ID, Defender, and modern security concepts
• Experience coordinating vendors (ISP, copier/printer, cabling, security systems, etc.)
• PMP, CAPM, ITIL, or similar certifications a plus

Core Competencies

• Execution and follow-through
• Client-first mindset
• Clear communication and professionalism
• Ability to simplify complex technical topics
• Strong prioritization and time management
• Calm under pressure; solution-oriented
• Team coordination and accountability

Success Measures (KPIs)

• Projects delivered on time and within scope
• Client satisfaction and clear communication
• Reduced escalations due to proactive planning
• Accurate documentation and smooth handoffs to Tech 1 and Escalation team
• Improved consistency and predictability in delivery

SBX technologies, LLC is searching for an individual who can integrate into our team as a Wastewater Treatment Operator.

This is a full-time position in Atlanta, Georgia.

Candidates must possess their Industrial Wastewater Treatment License (equivalent or greater).

The ideal candidate possess a high level of maintenance knowledge involving pumps, processes of a physical/chemical treatment system, and can effectively relay information.

Depending on experience, compensation varies.

Founding Account Executive – Agentic AI Platform (OrcaWorks)

Location: Atlanta, GA | Hybrid | Remote considered

Type: Full-Time

A Career Defining Opportunity in Enterprise AI

OrcaWorks, powered by Charter Global, is building a new category of enterprise technology through Agentic AI. Our platform enables organizations to deploy intelligent digital coworkers that automate complex workflows, increase productivity, and unlock operational scale.

As businesses rapidly adopt AI to transform how work gets done, OrcaWorks is positioned at the center of that shift.

We are assembling a founding sales team and looking for high performing Account Executives who want to be early in a market that is scaling quickly. This is an opportunity to build your career selling one of the most important technology categories emerging today.

For the right seller, this role offers the chance to help shape how Agentic AI is introduced into the enterprise while establishing yourself as a leader in this next wave of innovation.

The Role

As a Founding Account Executive, you will play a key role in bringing OrcaWorks to market. You will work directly with leadership, product, and engineering teams to introduce the platform to organizations looking to modernize operations through AI.

You will own strategic opportunities end to end while helping define the early go to market motion of the platform.

This role is ideal for a seller who wants to operate with autonomy, move quickly, and help build a high growth AI platform from the ground up.

What You Will Do

Lead Strategic Sales Cycles

Manage the full sales process from discovery and demonstration to proposal, negotiation, and close.

Engage Senior Decision Makers

Work with executives, technology leaders, and operations teams to position OrcaWorks as a transformative AI platform.

Build Enterprise Relationships

Develop trusted relationships with organizations seeking to implement AI driven operational improvements.

Deliver High Impact Demonstrations

Translate platform capabilities into clear business outcomes that resonate with both technical and non technical stakeholders.

Shape the Go to Market Strategy

As part of the founding team, you will contribute to messaging, positioning, and sales strategy as the platform scales.

Provide Market Insight

Share feedback from customers and prospects to help guide product innovation and platform evolution.

What We Are Looking For

• 3 to 7 years of experience in B2B technology or SaaS sales
• Proven track record of consistently exceeding revenue targets
• Experience managing complex sales cycles with multiple stakeholders
• Strong executive communication and consultative selling skills
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for AI, automation, and emerging technologies
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast moving environment

This Role Is Ideal For Someone Who

• Wants to build expertise selling next generation AI platforms
• Thrives in high growth environments where impact is visible
• Enjoys working closely with leadership and product teams
• Is motivated by ownership, autonomy, and significant earning potential

What You Will Gain

Early Position in a High Growth AI Market

Agentic AI is rapidly emerging as a transformative enterprise technology category.

Direct Access to Leadership

Work closely with executives and innovators shaping the company's AI strategy.

Career Acceleration

As OrcaWorks grows, founding team members will have opportunities to expand into leadership and strategic roles.

Compensation

• Competitive base salary
• Uncapped commission structure
• Performance incentives
• Significant career growth opportunities as the platform scales

About OrcaWorks

OrcaWorks, powered by Charter Global, delivers intelligent AI agents designed to automate complex workflows, augment human teams, and transform enterprise operations.

Our mission is simple. Enable organizations to operate faster, smarter, and more efficiently through AI driven digital coworkers.

Job ID: 521237

CRH's Americas Materials division is the leading integrated supplier of aggregates, asphalt, ready mixed concrete and paving and construction services in North America. Our operations span North America with over 29,000 employees at close to 1,660 locations in 45 US States and 2 Canadian provinces.

Position Overview

As Sr. Manager, Transportation Systems you will play a vital role in the strategy, design and performance of our transportation technology and processes. This role will have an immediate impact on our SAP Transportation Management module (TM) design and deployment as a key part of a larger business transformation. This position will partner cross-functionally to develop a transportation roadmap that provides our operating companies with best-in-class transportation capabilities and enterprise solutions

Key Responsibilities

SAP TM

• Design & develop requirements and capabilities for SAP TM that simplifies and streamlines our core transportation business processes
• Collaborate with SAP Technical Team, Operating Companies, and Performance teams to deliver successful implementation of SAP TM across the enterprise
• SAP TM workstream will be the primary focus of this role for the first year

Transportation Digital Roadmap

• Present vision and align cross-functionally to transform a fragmented transportation technology stack into a standardized, best-in-class platform
• Lead the planning and execution of Logistics Digital Transformation initiatives across AMAT, translating vision into actionable outcomes.
• Champion change management and stakeholder engagement to support successful adoption
• Develop standards, documentation, and training to enable successful change in a decentralized network

Transportation Performance

• Develop and monitor metrics to measure the utilization and effectiveness of our Logistics Systems including process adherence and data quality
• Foster relationships and collaboration with operating companies (“front line” operations leaders) to understand systemic pain points and create scalable & sustainable solutions to address them
• Benchmark internally and externally to identify opportunities and best practices to improve logistics performance across the enterprise

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience working in Supply Chain and/or Digital Transformation programs in a manufacturing industry
• 5+ years of Transportation Logistics experience, with strong preference for both owned fleet and 3PL/OTR transportation management
• Hands-on experience with enterprise TMS solutions and implementations
• Process improvement knowledge gained while working in an organization undergoing an operational culture shift
• Strategic Systems Thinker – Able to connect complex routing, fleet, and logistics systems into one seamless operating vision
• Change Leadership – Demonstrated ability to lead transformation and drive adoption of new standard technologies and processes. Strong interpersonal and organizational influencing skills
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement – Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in logistics & transportation. Bring an innovative spirit to work cross-functionally in developing and prioritizing ideas for improvement

Work Requirements

• Must be 18 years in age or older
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check
• Strict adherence to safety requirements and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Willingness to work independently within a team environment and assist the team with other duties as required
• Must be willing to travel up to 30%

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• SAP S4/HANA / SAP TM
• Enterprise TMS Solutions (SAP, Oracle, BlueYonder)
• Advanced Excel & Analytical Skills
• Multi-modal Transportation Experience (Owned fleet, 3PL/OTR, Rail, Barg)
• Project Management & Continuous Improvement Methodologies
• Manufacturing & Supply Chain Experience

Physical Requirements

• Able to communicate with others by telephone and in person
• Able to utilize a computer for word processing, email communication, and preparation of documents and presentations
• May require sitting for extended periods of time

Work Environment

• Must be able to provide a functioning home or remote office
• When working from a CRH office, expect normal office working conditions
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet
• The position may require work outside of normal business hours

The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Other duties may be assigned as required. Requirements for this job are subject to modification by the Company and its designees, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What CRH Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

CRH Americas Materials Inc. is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability

CRH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Sr. Marketing Project Management Analyst - Marketing Enablement

Contract until 8/1, with strong likelihood of extension and/or conversion

Atlanta, GA - 100% Onsite

We are seeking a Senior Analyst with expertise in marketing strategic enablement to drive the successful adoption of marketing technologies by ensuring the alignment of tool selection, implementation, and organizational readiness with overarching business needs. The Senior Analyst will act as a key support function in analyzing current capabilities and opportunities, contributing to solution design, and assisting in the rollout of new implementations.

Responsibilities:

• Analysis and Insights: Assist with the diagnosis and definition of business problems through research and marketer stakeholder sessions. Analyze campaign processes to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Implementation Support: Support implementation strategy development and its execution for new technology and workflows within the marketing and creative groups.
• Solution Design: Contribute to process solution design, grounded in business goals and success measures.
• Change Management: Apply change management tactics such as documenting change impact assessments, assisting with risk identification and mitigation plans, and supporting the communication plan.
• Collaboration: Partner with internal teams across Product, IT, Marketing Operations, Marketers, and external technology vendors throughout execution and implementation of strategic initiatives.

Required Skills:

• Ability to analyze business problems, campaign processes, and marketing technologies for insights
• Strong skills in partnering with diverse groups, including stakeholders/ users, Marketers in various roles, MarTech (IT/Product), Operations roles such as PMO and system support, and external vendors.
• Experience with marketing tools across the core focus areas of the team: Content, Customer Data and Journey Orchestration, and Workflow. Candidate must have relevant experience with one or more of the following: AEP and Adobe RTCDP, Adobe Journey Optimizer, Adobe Workfront, DAM (such as AEM Assets or Aprimo DAM), Adobe Creative Cloud and Firefly Services.
• Proficiency in documenting processes and solutions
• Experience with project management, implementation and rollout strategies
• Experience with Change Management

Job ID: 520050

CRH is a leading global diversified building materials group, employing over 75,800 people at more than 3,160 locations in 29 countries. CRH is the leading building materials company in North America and the world. We manufacture and distribute a diverse range of superior building materials, products, and solutions, which are used extensively in construction projects of all sizes.

Job Summary

With the aspiration to position CRH as the best in class partner in the Construction Value Chain when it comes to innovation and sustainability, the Group Innovation team is responsible for developing and implementing across the company an Innovation Model that enables resilience, durability, and value creation through changing business, societal, and investor contexts by leveraging our capacity to partner with key stakeholders to innovate and foster sustainable value for all our stakeholders. That innovation model spans from the fostering of opportunities, ideating possible solutions to address them and conducting the development work to implement them in the businesses, with value creation and growth as main drivers in mind.

The Senior Manager, Alliances & Innovation is responsible for building, connecting, and orchestrating a dynamic ecosystem of external partners across the construction value chain. This role identifies, develops, and manages strategic alliances that accelerate CRH’s innovation agenda and sustainable growth. By fostering strong relationships with key players -- designers, contractors, owners, technology providers, and industry bodies -- the Senior Manager ensures CRH’s innovation capabilities are tightly linked to evolving market needs and opportunities. The role acts as a connector and integrator, translating market signals and customer insights into actionable partnerships, and mobilizing cross-functional teams to deliver measurable impact from pilot through to scale.

Job Location

This role is based at our corporate office in the Perimeter area of Atlanta, GA – hybrid work schedule

Job Responsibilities

• Build, connect, and manage a robust ecosystem of external partners across the construction value chain, including designers, contractors, owners, technology providers, and industry bodies, to accelerate CRH’s innovation and solutions agenda.
• Develop and implement a structured alliance program: define the vision, engagement model, governance, and performance metrics for CRH’s innovation alliances.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new collaboration opportunities that align with CRH’s strategic objectives and market needs; craft clear business cases and partnership theses.
• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of alliances and strategic collaborations: from initial outreach and due diligence, through negotiation and agreement, to pilot execution, scaling, and replication across the enterprise.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for key partners, ensuring mutual value creation, clear communication, and proactive issue resolution.
• Convene and orchestrate cross-functional teams (Innovation, Solutions, Strategy, Ventures, OpCos) to deliver on alliance objectives, ensuring alignment and accountability at every stage.
• Track and report on relationships/project performance, using data-driven insights to recommend acceleration, adjustment, or discontinuation of initiatives.
• Prepare and present strategic analyses and recommendations to senior leadership, articulating the financial and strategic rationale for partnership decisions.
• Act as a connector and integrator, translating market signals and customer insights into actionable partnership opportunities and mobilizing internal resources to deliver measurable impact.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the innovation ecosystem, ensuring best practices and learnings are captured and scaled across CRH.
• Represent CRH externally in industry forums, conferences, and partner meetings, enhancing the company’s reputation as a trusted, forward-thinking innovation partner.

Job Requirements

• Alliance Lifecycle Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing the full lifecycle of alliances and strategic partnerships, including opportunity identification, due diligence, negotiation, execution, and scaling, with a strong track record of setting clear objectives, defining and tracking partnership KPIs, managing joint workplans, and ensuring delivery of measurable outcomes for all parties.
• Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of construction methodologies, materials, and emerging trends; able to engage credibly with technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Ecosystem Builder: Brings a strong network of industry relationships and a proven ability to leverage those connections to design, implement, and evolve structured partnership programs and ecosystems that deliver measurable business impact.
• Relationship Management: Skilled at building and sustaining productive, trust-based relationships with a diverse set of external partners and internal stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Effective at convening and orchestrating cross-functional teams, driving alignment, and ensuring accountability across business units and functions.
• Strategic Thinking: Able to synthesize market signals, customer insights, and business objectives into actionable partnership strategies and business cases.
• Analytical & Data-Driven: Uses data and performance metrics to track, evaluate, and optimize partnership and program outcomes; comfortable preparing and presenting strategic analyses.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent communicator, able to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to senior leadership, partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Change Agent: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving change in a matrixed, multicultural environment; resilient and adaptable in the face of shifting priorities.
• Commercial Acumen: Understands financial drivers, value creation, and risk management in partnership contexts; able to negotiate and structure agreements that deliver mutual benefit.
• Continuous Learner: Curious and proactive in seeking out new innovations, best practices, and opportunities to advance CRH’s innovation and sustainability agenda.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field; MBA or master’s degree preferred.
• Professional industry accreditation preferred
• 8 or more years of progressive experience in construction execution, strategic partnerships/alliances, or strategic business development.
• Demonstrated track record of managing the full lifecycle of alliances and partnerships, from opportunity identification and due diligence through negotiation, execution, pilot, scaling, and replication.
• Strong technical acumen and familiarity with construction methodologies, materials, and industry trends.
• Experience working autonomously and proactively in complex, matrixed organizations, with a proven ability to deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to manage multiple external and internal stakeholders, including consultants, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience presenting to and influencing senior leadership, with strong communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to navigate diverse business environments and build relationships across geographies; international and/or multicultural experience a bonus.

What CRH Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

CRH is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability

CRH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.