Principal Threat Surface Analyst - Remote or Hybrid in MN or DC

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. 

The Enterprise Information Security (EIS) team is responsible for cybersecurity across our organization. We support our business and members by reducing risk, rapidly responding to threats, focusing on business resiliency and securing new acquisitions.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities: 

Endpoint Security Engineering

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise endpoint security solutions, including:
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR/XDR)
  • Antivirus / Next Generation Antivirus (NGAV)
• Lead endpoint security deployments, migrations, upgrades, and configuration tuning across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments
• Develop and maintain endpoint security standards, configurations, and security baselines
• Ensure endpoint protection platforms (e.g., Trend Micro, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint) are properly integrated with SIEM, SOAR, and SOC workflows
• Partner with IT and device management teams to ensure consistent endpoint visibility, health, and protection coverage
  

Attack Surface Management & Exposure Reduction

• Implement and manage attack surface discovery and monitoring capabilities, including:
  • External scanning and exposure monitoring (e.g., Shodan, Tenable)
  • Dark web monitoring tools for credential leakage and brand exposure
  • Network and application exposure analysis (e.g., AlgoSec or similar)
• Identify, analyze, and prioritize external and internal attack surface risks
• Partner with infrastructure, network, cloud, and application teams to drive remediation of exposed services, misconfigurations, and vulnerabilities
• Support secure email and messaging initiatives, including SMTP migrations and security enhancements using platforms such as Proofpoint
• Develop reporting and metrics to track attack surface reduction over time
  

Engineering & Automation

• Automate deployment, configuration, reporting, and health checks for endpoint and attack surface tools using scripting (PowerShell, Python, APIs)
• Build repeatable processes and tooling to improve security visibility and operational efficiency
• Evaluate new endpoint security and attack surface management capabilities, recommending enhancements or tooling changes based on risk and business impact
• 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
  

Collaboration & Guidance

• Work closely with IT, infrastructure, cloud, network, and application teams to ensure secure system configurations
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers and analysts
• Clearly communicate endpoint and attack surface risks, findings, and remediation strategies to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

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: 

• 7+ years of experience in cybersecurity, security engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of hands-on experience implementing and supporting EDR and antivirus solutions
• 3+ years of experience implementing 
• 3+ years of experience securing endpoints across enterprise environments (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Experience partnering with cross-functional teams to remediate security risks

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 2+ years of scripting or automation experience (PowerShell, Python, REST APIs)
• Experience implementing and supporting enterprise endpoint platforms such as: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Trend Micro, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Carbon Black
• Experience with attack surface management, vulnerability scanning, or exposure monitoring tools (e.g., Tenable, Shodan, dark web monitoring solutions)
• Demonstrated familiarity with email security platforms and SMTP migrations (e.g., Proofpoint)
• Experience integrating security tools with SIEM/SOAR platforms

*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 $112,700 to $193,200 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.