Data engineer

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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Engineer to design, build, and optimize scalable data and AI platforms on Azure. This role will focus on enabling enterprise data pipelines, real-time processing, and AI/ML model integration using Databricks and modern cloud technologies.

You will enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and develop scalable data pipelines using Databricks, Apache Spark, and Python on Azure
• Build cloud-native solutions leveraging Azure Data Lake, Azure Data Factory, and Delta Lake
• Collaborate with Data Science and AI teams to operationalize ML models and embed them into production workflows
• Develop and maintain feature stores, model input pipelines, and real-time/streaming frameworks
• Ensure data quality, governance, and security across the full data lifecycle
• Build reusable frameworks, accelerators, and automation scripts to improve engineering efficiency
• Optimize performance, scalability, and reliability of data workflows and batch/streaming pipelines
• Participate in Agile development processes, including sprint planning, code reviews, and CI/CD pipelines
• Provide production support and on-call coverage, ensuring system stability and rapid issue resolution
• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges with emphasis on responsible use of AI

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions 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 in Computer Science, Engineering, or IT related field
• 6+ years of experience in Data Engineering with Python/PySpark
• 6+ years of experience in building ETL/ELT pipelines using Databricks
• 6+ years of experience working in Agile environments
• 5+ years of strong experience in SQL / PL-SQL
• 4+ years of experience with Azure Databricks and Delta Lake architecture
• 4+ years of hands-on experience with CI/CD (GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps)
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Azure cloud services (ADF, ADLS, Databricks)
• 2+ years of experience with Databricks Delta Live Tables (DLT)
• 2+ years of experience with unit testing, validation, and pipeline testing frameworks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with medallion architecture and SCD2 implementations
• AI builder: Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges with emphasis on responsible use of AI
• Experience building enterprise-scale data platforms
• Strong skills in performance tuning and debugging large-scale pipelines
• Experience with real-time/streaming frameworks (Structured Streaming)
• Ability to work in distributed, cross-functional global teams
• Exposure to GenAI tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) for engineering productivity
• Strong understanding of secure coding practices and vulnerability remediation
• Proven ability to analyze logs, troubleshoot production issues, and optimize performance
• Demonstrated capability to design and deploy AI-powered solutions responsibly

*All Telecommuters 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 $72,800 to $130,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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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