Senior SAS Data Engineer – Remote

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Join Optum and Make a Difference in Healthcare!

Optum is a global leader in transforming healthcare through innovative technology and data-driven solutions, helping millions of people live healthier, happier lives. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to directly impact health outcomes across communities, advance health equity worldwide, and contribute to a purpose-driven organization committed to improving healthcare for all.

Why Work with Us?

• Impactful Work: Drive meaningful change by supporting health plans nationwide, influencing policy, and improving patient care
• Inclusive Culture: Celebrate diversity, foster inclusion, and empower every voice
• Flexibility & Location: Enjoy the freedom to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. (MN preferred), with a collaborative, forward-thinking team
• Career Growth: Access ongoing professional development, mentorship, and opportunities to innovate in a fast-paced environment
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, wellness, retirement, and work-life balance benefits designed to support your overall well-being

As a Senior SAS Data Engineer within the Optum Advisory – Trend Analytics Consulting team, you will be at the forefront of healthcare analytics, helping to shape data strategies that improve lives. You will collaborate with a diverse team of actuaries, data engineers, and consultants to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver insights that matter.

In this role, you will analyze and evaluate specifications for complex business requirements and processes—including new development, enhancements, and ongoing maintenance. You will develop robust SAS programming solutions, verify program logic by preparing and running test data scenarios, and thoroughly test and debug programs to ensure accuracy. You will also participate in all phases of the software development life cycle (SDLC), including system development, testing, code migration across environments, and providing production support for deployed solutions.

This is an exciting opportunity to leverage your technical expertise while making a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Participate in all phases of the software engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, application design, code development, and testing
• Design, develop, and implement programming solutions using SAS Base language, shell scripting, and other technologies on a Linux-based platform
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams-including business analysts and stakeholders-to gather requirements and prioritize production issue resolution
• Conduct thorough code reviews and perform comprehensive testing to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions that meet established standards
• Provide accurate and timely estimates for assigned tasks to support effective project planning
• Analyze root causes of in-scope incidents; facilitate resolution efforts and recommend corrective action plans to prevent recurrence
• Work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment to resolve complex production issues promptly
• Develop end-to-end reporting solutions based on evolving business requirements
• Identify opportunities for process improvement in partnership with business analysts; contribute to initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction
• Demonstrate solid organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail; maintain familiarity with relevant policies and procedures at all times

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of SAS/BASE programming experience
  • Experience designing reporting systems and/or processes
  • SAS Data step programming and report generation
  • SAS PROC& MACRO programming
• 8+ years of data engineering work experience developing, designing, testing and implementing of complex database programs
• 8+ years SDLC experience
• 3+ years of SQL experience writing complex queries and table joins
• 3+ years of experience Proficient with MS Excel, Word, and Visio 
• 3+ years of experience assessing business requirements documents 
• Good understanding of Relational Database system like Teradata, Oracle, etc.
• Proven excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High School Diploma/GED with 5+ years experience or Bachelors Degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Healthcare Industry experience 
• Azure, SNOWFLAKE, or other Cloud based database experience 
• LINUX or UNIX experience along with shell scripting
• Experience with Version Control applications (IE: Subversion, Github, etc.) 
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn other languages and techniques apart from the SAS technologies.

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy 

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $89,900 to $160,600 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.