Software Engineering Lead - Python +AI

Optum; Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Optum is a global organization delivering care powered by technology to help millions live healthier lives. We seek a skilled Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain AI-enabled solutions across front-end and back-end components, deploying on cloud platforms with secure, scalable architectures.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, implement IaC with Terraform, and integrate GenAI features while mentoring junior developers and upholding engineering best

Qualifications

• 7+ years of software engineering with microservices, REST APIs, and web apps.
• 5+ years programming in Python/Java.
• Hands-on with public clouds (preferably Azure) and IaC tools like Terraform.
• Designing scalable, resilient REST APIs (Springboot/FastAPI/Flask).
• CI/CD pipelines and deploying on AKS with GitHub Actions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain UI, server logic, databases, APIs, and deployment processes.
• Perform analysis, coding, testing, debugging, and documentation of software.
• Leverage cloud-native tech to design scalable, secure, cost-efficient solutions.
• Implement IaC for cloud environments using Terraform.
• Deliver end-to-end solutions with agile teams and stakeholders.
• Ensure security, cloud monitoring, and best-practice adherence.
• Guide junior developers and mentor team members in coding standards.
• Integrate AI/GenAI features and stay current with trends and ethics.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Mentoring

Agile methodologies

Education

Degree in IT / Computer Science / Business or equivalent

Tools

Terraform

Azure

AKS

GitHub Actions

Job description

Description - External

Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions using no-code, low-code, and advanced platforms, translating business needs into scalable applications that enhance products, workflows, and decision-making.

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.

As a skilled Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining front-end and back-end application components. This role focuses on delivering end-to-end AI-enabled solutions, ensuring seamless service integration, and utilizing cloud-native technologies to build scalable, secure, and cost-efficient products. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and enhance organizational efficiency.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain user interfaces, server-side logic, databases, APIs, and deployment processes
• Perform analysis, coding, testing, debugging, and documentation of software
• Leverage cloud-native technologies to design scalable, secure, and cost-efficient solutions
• Implement and manage Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for cloud environments using tools like Terraform
• Deliver high-quality, end-to-end solutions while collaborating with agile teams and stakeholders
• Ensure adherence to engineering best practices, agile methodologies, and cloud security standards
• Contribute to product roadmaps by understanding customer needs and evaluating new tools, AI frameworks, and cloud technologies
• Automate tasks, build reusable utilities, and ensure adherence to engineering standards and best practices
• Monitor and optimize cloud infrastructure for performance, reliability, and cost efficiency
• Integrate AI/ML models into applications and ensure seamless deployment on cloud platforms
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues promptly and participate in incident and problem management, including on-call support
• Research and develop innovative solutions to improve future capabilities
• Guide and mentor junior developers to foster team growth
• AI Builder Responsibilities:
• Use GenAI tools (Copilot, Claude, Gemini AI) to ideate, prototype, and implement features efficiently
• Apply Vibe coding techniques to maintain clean, expressive, and AI-augmented codebases
• Develop internal tools and scripts using AI to automate repetitive tasks and improve productivity
• Stay current with emerging GenAI trends, tools, and ethical considerations

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in IT, Computer Science, Business, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of experience in software engineering, including enterprise-class microservices, REST APIs, and web applications and data
• 5+ years of experience programming in Python/Java
• Hands-on experience with public cloud platforms (preferably Azure) and managing infrastructure using IaC tools like Terraform
• Expertise in designing and developing scalable, resilient, and high-performing REST using (Springboot/FastAPI/Flask APIs)
• Good knowledge of microservice architecture, REST API integration, and asynchronous communication patterns
• Good understanding of cloud-native architectures, serverless computing, and cloud monitoring tools (e.g., Azure Monitor, Grafana)
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
• Proficient in setting up CI/CD pipelines and deploying applications, preferably in AKS, using GitHub Actions
• Proficiency with AI-Assisted Development Tools like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Windsurf/Amazon Code Whisperer etc.
• Proven skilled in addressing security vulnerabilities and ensuring secure application development
• Proven passion for technology, innovation, and continuous learning
• Proven excellent problem-solving and communication skills with a passion for sharing best practices and driving organizational discipline