Associate Data Engineer

Optum; Eden Prairie (MN); Remote; USD 60,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Incentive and recognition programs

Equity stock purchase plan

401k contribution

Job summary

Optum is seeking an Associate Data Engineer to design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines and storage solutions. You will collaborate with data scientists and analysts to support analytics, while embedding enterprise AI tools to streamline workflows and drive efficiency across healthcare data solutions.

You will work on real-time data ingestion with Kafka and batch processing with Spark, using AWS Athena for analysis, and contribute to documentation and governance across multiple data

Qualifications

• 2+ years of data engineering and SQL/ETL experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain data pipelines for EiMP consolidating data from multiple sources.
• Support real-time ingestion with Kafka and batch processing with Spark.
• Analyze data using AWS Athena to support business needs.
• Generate reports and dashboards to provide insights.
• Ensure data quality and governance across sources.
• Collaborate with data scientists and analysts to deliver solutions.
• Document data pipelines and processes.
• Support ad hoc data requests.

Skills

Data engineering

SQL

ETL tools

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshoot pipelines

AI / prompt engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Apache Spark

Apache Kafka

AWS Athena

Job description

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.

Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

At Enterprise Digital Experience Technology; EiMP team, we are committed to developing cutting‑edge applications and products that utilize our proprietary matching algorithm to optimize member experiences. We manage vast amounts of data with significant business impact, creating solutions that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare system. Our team is at the forefront of adopting next‑generation technologies, constantly exploring new possibilities to drive meaningful change.

We are seeking an Associate Data Engineer to design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines and storage solutions. In this role, you will collaborate closely with data scientists, machine learning engineers, and technical teams to support data pipelines and analytics. You will also embed enterprise‑approved AI tools into your daily workflows, leveraging prompt engineering and generative AI tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, augment decision‑making, and drive efficiency across healthcare data solutions.

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

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and maintenance of data pipelines for the Enterprise Individual Mastering Platform (EiMP), which consolidates individual data from multiple sources, including eligibility, pharmacy, and patient data
• Support real‑time data ingestion using tools like Kafka, as well as batch processing using Spark
• Perform data analysis using AWS tools such as Athena to support various business needs
• Generate reports and dashboards to provide insights and support decision‑making processes
• Participate in the monitoring and maintenance of data quality and integrity across various data sources
• Assist in resolving data‑related issues and discrepancies to ensure accurate and reliable data for the organization
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of documentation for data pipelines, processes, and procedures
• Ensure compliance with data governance and security policies
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders, to understand data requirements and deliver solutions
• Provide support for ad hoc data requests and troubleshooting under the supervision of senior team members
• Use enterprise‑approved AI tools to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and drive continuous improvement
• Evaluate emerging trends to inform solution design and strategic innovation

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

• 2+ years of experience with data engineering, database query using SQL, and ETL tools
• 2+ years of experience with big data processing technologies (e.g., Apache Spark, Apache Kafka)
• 1+ years of experience analyzing data using cloud‑based tools (e.g., AWS Athena)
• 1+ years of exposure to AI tools, generative AI tools, or prompt engineering in daily technical workflows
• Proven ability to troubleshoot data pipeline issues and collaborate effectively across cross‑functional technical teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Data Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field
• Experience leveraging enterprise‑approved AI tools and Large Language Models (LLMs) to optimize data engineering workflows
• Experience working with healthcare data domains (eligibility, pharmacy, or patient records)
• Experience establishing data governance, security compliance, and data quality monitoring controls

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 $60,200 to $107,400 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.

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.