Sr 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.  

We are seeking a highly skilled and adaptable Senior Data Engineer with a strong background in healthcare data systems and hands-on experience with modern cloud technologies. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining secure, scalable data pipelines that support seamless data exchange across internal systems and external partners. The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform raw data into actionable insights, ensure platform interoperability, and support a broad range of analytical and machine learning initiatives. Responsibilities include leading technical projects, managing new implementations, and supporting go-live transitions. The role also involves analyzing integration requirements, developing and documenting data mappings, and ensuring high availability and data integrity through proactive monitoring and troubleshooting. A strong focus on data quality, governance, and security compliance is essential. Candidates must be self-driven, capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and prepared to support 24/7 operational needs, including on-call duties. This position offers the opportunity to drive innovation, optimize processes, and contribute to the evolution of best practices in healthcare data engineering.

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

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:

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in information technology, engineering, math, computer science, analytics, engineering or another related field) 
• Experience with relational and non-relational data storage systems
• Experience working with healthcare data or supporting healthcare organizations
• Hands-on experience in both On-Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP) and On-Prem data engineering, data ingestion, transformation, normalization, aggregation, and storage
• Solid proficiency in SQL/T-SQL, XML, and JSON for data manipulation and integration
• Proficiency in at least one programming/query language such as Python, Scala, Java, or R
• Proven solid communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and lead technical projects
• Willingness to support limited travel (up to 15%) and participate in on-call rotations as needed

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Scripting or development experience with languages such as Perl, TCL, JavaScript, or KSH
• Experience designing and maintaining advanced data frameworks for healthcare organizations
• Experience with large-scale data processing tools and frameworks like Spark, Scala, Python, Apache Kafka, Pig/Hive
• Experience supporting data pipelines that feed business intelligence platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, MicroStrategy)
• Familiarity with network connectivity concepts including VPN, firewalls, and TCP/IP
• Familiarity with CDA (Clinical Document Architecture) standards and healthcare interoperability and data exchange protocols
• Proficiency in cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS with working knowledge of Snowflake, Microsoft Data Engineering tools, and Databricks
• Understanding of workflow orchestration tools such as Apache Airflow
• Proven solid communication skills and the ability to collaborate with analytics and technology leadership

*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.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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