Principal Software Engineer - (Java, .Net, Azure & FHIR) - Remote or Hybrid in MN or DC

Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation. Our teams develop cutting-edge solutions that help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. From advanced data analytics and AI to cybersecurity, we use innovative approaches to solve some of health care's most complex challenges. Your contributions here have the potential to change lives. Ready to build the next breakthrough? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

As a Principal Software Engineer specializing in the Payer domain, you will spearhead the development of regulatory-compliant, AI-enhanced solutions for a hybrid Java and .NET ecosystem. Your primary mission is to architect and maintain the mandated CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization infrastructure on Azure, ensuring seamless data exchange between members, providers, and other payers.

If you are located within 30 min of our MN or DC office, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as well as work in the office as you take on some tough challenges. This position follows a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• CMS Regulatory Architecture:
  • Design and maintain mandated HL7 FHIR-based APIs, including the Patient Access API, Provider Access API, and Payer-to-Payer API
  • Architect the Prior Authorization API to support electronic requests and real-time status updates (ePA) in compliance with CMS-0057-F
  • Develop automated systems for annual public reporting of prior authorization metrics (approval/denial rates, decision timeframes)
• Interoperability & Data Strategy:
  • Oversee the ingestion and mapping of disparate data sources (claims, encounters, clinical data) into USCDI (United States Core Data for Interoperability) standards
  • Utilize Azure Health Data Services to manage and scale FHIR-compliant PHI
• Security & AI Integration:
  • Implement advanced security protocols for third-party application access via OAuth2 and OpenID Connect to satisfy CMS security requirements
  • Leverage AI to streamline the 'Responsible AI' processing of prior authorization requests and improve denial reason accuracy for clinical transparency
• Hybrid Ecosystem Governance:
  • Orchestrate a unified architecture for Java (Spring Boot) and .NET Core microservices on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
• Leverage enterprise-approved AI tools to enhance productivity and innovation by streamlining workflows and automating repetitive tasks
• Evaluate emerging trends to drive continuous improvement and strategic innovation

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:

• 5+ years of experience in Java, .NET Core, and Azure cloud-native architecture
• Hands-on experience with HL7 FHIR Implementation Guides (e.g., CARIN Blue Button, Da Vinci PDEX, and Plan Net)
• Deep understanding of CMS-9115-F and CMS-0057-F regulations, including compliance deadlines for 2026 and 2027
• Proven ability to represent technical compliance strategies during CMS audits and stakeholder design reviews

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Professional FHIR Developer certification
• 3+ years of solutions Architecture experience 
• AI/ML: Experience implementing MLOps for clinical decision support or fraud detection in payer workflows

*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 $134,600 to $230,800 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.  

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