Software Engineering Lead - Python or Java

UnitedHealth Group; Chennai; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

UnitedHealth Group is seeking a skilled Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain front-end and back-end components for AI-enabled solutions. The role emphasizes cloud-native architectures, Infrastructure as Code with Terraform, and secure, scalable services on Azure or similar platforms.

You will work with cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end solutions, implement CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions, mentor juniors, and stay current with GenAI trends while adhering to

Qualifications

• Degree in IT, Computer Science, Business, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of software engineering experience with enterprise-class microservices, REST APIs, and web apps/data.
• 5+ years programming in Python/Java.
• Hands-on with public cloud platforms (preferably Azure) and IaC tools like Terraform.
• Expertise in designing scalable REST APIs (Springboot/FastAPI/Flask).
• Strong knowledge of microservices, REST integration, and asynchronous patterns.
• CI/CD setup and deployment in AKS using GitHub Actions; familiarity with cloud monitoring tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain UI, server-side logic, databases, APIs, and deployment processes.
• Perform analysis, coding, testing, debugging, and documentation of software.
• Leverage cloud-native tech to create scalable, secure, cost-efficient solutions.
• Implement IaC for cloud environments using Terraform.
• Deliver end-to-end solutions with agile teams and stakeholders.
• Ensure engineering best practices and cloud security standards.
• Guide and mentor junior developers to foster growth.
• AI Builder: use GenAI tools to ideate, prototype, and implement features.

Skills

Python/Java

REST APIs

Cloud-native architectures

CI/CD pipelines

Azure cloud

Agile methodologies

Microservices

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or equivalent

Tools

Terraform

AKS

GitHub Actions

Azure Monitor

Grafana

Copilot/Cursor Windsurf

Code Whisperer

Job description

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
• Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

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

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.