Lead Cloud Reliability Engineer - Remote

Optum; Minnetonka (MN); Remote; USD 113,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Equity stock purchase

401k contribution

Telecommuter policy

Job summary

Optum Insight Engineering seeks a Lead Cloud Reliability Engineer with SRE experience to design, build, and scale AI Ops solutions. This hands-on technical leadership role involves architecture, global team leadership, and implementing AI-driven, reliable cloud infrastructure.

You can work remotely from anywhere in the U.S.; Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. areas require four days in the office weekly. Strong automation, Python/Terraform, and Kubernetes skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of software engineering and SRE experience in a public cloud (GCP, AWS, Azure).
• 3+ years of hands-on automation with Python and Terraform.
• 2+ years of experience managing Kubernetes environments (EKS, AKS, GKE).
• Available for rotating 24x7 on-call shifts.

Responsibilities

• Automate Infrastructure & Operations using Terraform and Python.
• Lead incident response; ensure high availability, scalability, and performance of cloud environments.
• Design, code, test, and operate software using Python or Node.js.
• Develop AI-powered solutions and RAG-based workflows at enterprise scale.
• Collaborate with development and SRE teams to improve system reliability and mentor engineers.
• Leverage AI tools to streamline workflows and drive efficiency.

Skills

SRE engineering

Python

Terraform

Kubernetes

Cloud environments

On-call availability

Education

Bachelor's degree

8+ years experience (in lieu of degree)

Tools

GitHub Actions

Terraform

Kubernetes (EKS/AKS/GKE)

Job description

OptumInsight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth. Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Optum Insight Engineering team is seeking a Lead Cloud Reliability Engineer with Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) experience to design, build, and scale modern AI Ops solutions across payer and provider transformation initiatives. This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring deep involvement in architecture and engineering while leading globally distributed teams. The role focuses on delivering SRE Process automation, Infrastructure as code, AI, and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions with enterprise-grade reliability, security, and responsible AI practices.

You’llenjoy 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

• Automate Infrastructure & Operations: Develop Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, Python, Cloud Infrastructure while adhering to SRE best practices
• Automate SRE practices; Lead incident response; Ensure high availability, scalability, and performance of cloud environments through automation
• Lead end-to-end design and implementation of Automated Ops solutions from concept through production with an emphasis on responsible AI practices
• Design, code, test, and operate software using Python or Node.js
• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges across enterprise scale using RAG based solutions
• Work closely with development and SRE teams to improve system design, advocate for reliability, and mentor fellow engineers
• Leverage enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and drive continuous operational efficiency

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of overall software engineering and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) experience in a public cloud environment (GCP, AWS, Azure)
• 3+ years of demonstrated hands-on automation experience with Python and Terraform based development
• 2+ years of experience managing Kubernetes environments (EKS, AKS, GKE)
• Available to work rotating 24x7 primary and secondary on-call shifts

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field (or 8+ years of equivalent software engineering experience in lieu of degree)
• 2+ years delivering AI/ML or Generative AI solutions in production
• CI/CD (GitHub Actions preferred) & Infrastructure as Code experience with Terraform
• Hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure automation, observability tools, and SRE best practices for AI workloads
• Experience leading globally distributed technical teams
• Proven experience building Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines, Agentic AI, or multi-step AI workflows
• Proven effective communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
• 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 - $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 help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.