Principal Data Engineer

Optum; Schaumburg (IL); Remote; USD 113,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Equity stock purchase

401k contribution

Incentive and recognition programs

Job summary

Optum is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to support the RxMax application in a remote-capable role based in Schaumburg, IL. You will help build scalable data platforms, troubleshoot enterprise data pipelines, and ensure CMS compliance across Commercial Rebates and Medicaid Rebate systems.

You will leverage enterprise AI tools to streamline workflows, improve productivity, and collaborate with engineers, data architects, and business stakeholders to deliver robust data solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in production data environments with strong data accuracy, governance, and security.
• 5+ years of advanced SQL and at least one of Python, Scala, or Java.
• 5+ years of experience with cloud data platforms (AWS/Azure/Snowflake) and big data frameworks (Spark/Databricks).
• Experience with financial systems and data architectures.
• Healthcare data domain familiarity, including HL7, FHIR, and HIPAA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply healthcare domain concepts to deliver data solutions.
• Translate requirements into robust technical designs with stakeholders.
• Uphold data quality, governance, security, and compliance across data pipelines.
• Troubleshoot data pipelines and optimize performance.
• Lead architecture and implementation of scalable data pipelines and assets.
• Leverage AI tools to streamline workflows and automate tasks.
• Evaluate new tech trends to inform data solution design.
• Mentor teams and provide guidance on data enhancements.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional groups.
• Be flexible to work extra hours to meet deadlines.

Skills

SQL

Python

Scala

Java

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, IT or related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

Snowflake

Databricks

Apache Kafka

Delta Lake

Job description

As a Principal Data Engineer at Optum, you will support the RxMax application by helping build and strengthen scalable, secure, and resilient data platforms. This remote role in Schaumburg, IL focuses on delivering tailored solutions, troubleshooting enterprise data pipelines, and ensuring compliance with CMS-related requirements across Commercial Rebates and Medicaid Rebate systems. You will also leverage enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline workflows, automate routine tasks, and improve engineering productivity.

What you’ll do

• Learn and apply complex healthcare business domain concepts, including rebates and CMS guidelines, to deliver data solutions aligned to business needs
• Partner with software engineers, data architects, and business stakeholders to translate complex requirements into robust technical designs
• Define and uphold high standards for data quality, data governance, security, and compliance across data integration workflows
• Troubleshoot complex data pipelines, resolve system performance issues, and address data integration challenges using analytical problem-solving skills
• Lead architecture, design, and implementation of scalable, high-performance data pipelines and enterprise data assets
• Use enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline engineering workflows, automate routine data tasks, and drive continuous process improvement
• Evaluate emerging technology trends and AI tools to inform data solution design and strategic technical innovation
• Provide mentorship and application guidance to business and development teams for enhancements that support changing business environments
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form across cross-functional engineering, business leadership, and stakeholder groups
• Maintain flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet critical business needs and project deadlines

Required experience

• 5+ years working in production data environments while maintaining standards for data accuracy, governance, and security
• 5+ years advanced proficiency in SQL and at least one language such as Python, Scala, or Java
• 5+ years experience with cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Snowflake) and big data frameworks (e.g., Spark or Databricks)
• Experience working with or supporting financial systems and financial data architectures
• Healthcare industry experience and familiarity with healthcare data models and standards, including HL7, FHIR, and HIPAA compliance
• Demonstrated experience working with business teams from an operational standpoint
• Demonstrated ability to use digital and productivity-enhancing tools to streamline engineering workflows and problem-solving

Technologies you’ll work with

SQL, Python, Scala, Java, AWS, Azure, Snowflake, Spark, Databricks, HL7, FHIR

Benefits and compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Equity stock purchase
• 401k contribution
• Salary range: $112,700 - $193,200 per year

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field
• Relevant cloud or data platform certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Data Analytics, Snowflake SnowPro Core, or Databricks Certified Data Engineer)
• 5+ years of experience working with cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Delta Lake, or Snowflake) and big data processing frameworks (e.g., Spark or Databricks)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail and quality
• Experience with healthcare rebate systems or Medicaid data platforms
• Experience with IBMi DB2 systems and infrastructure
• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining a FISMA compliant environment supporting federal government applications and data
• Solid knowledge of NIST 800-53 security controls, risk management frameworks (RMF), security authorization (ATO), and continuous monitoring practices
• Experience implementing and managing security controls across cloud and on-premises environments, including identity and access management, encryption, vulnerability management, audit logging, and incident response
• Demonstrated capability to rapidly learn and apply complex business domain concepts
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment under strict time constraints and shifting priorities
• Knowledge of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, guidelines, or data standards
• Experience with streaming data architectures and real-time processing platforms (e.g., Apache Kafka, Spark Streaming)