Principal Network Detection & Response Engineer

UnitedHealth Group; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

UnitedHealth Group is seeking a Principal Network Detection & Response Engineer to lead the architecture, deployment, and optimization of enterprise-wide NDR capabilities. You will analyze network telemetry, develop detection logic, and orchestrate rapid response strategies across hybrid-cloud and on-premises environments.

You will collaborate with threat intelligence, incident response, and infrastructure teams to design resilient security monitoring solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in cybersecurity engineering, network security, or intrusion detection/prevention.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience deploying, configuring, and tuning NDR or NTA platforms (e.g., Corelight, Darktrace, ExtraHop, Zeek/Bro, Suricata).
• 3+ years of experience analyzing network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, TLS, BGP) and deep packet inspection with Wireshark, Zeek, or Suricata.
• 3+ years of experience integrating network telemetry into enterprise SIEM and SOAR (e.g., Splunk, Sentinel).

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, architectural design, and optimization of NDR and network security monitoring platforms across hybrid environments.
• Develop, test, and tune high-fidelity detection signatures, behavioral rules, and anomaly detection models.
• Analyze network traffic, PCAPs, flow data, and encrypted telemetry to uncover malicious activity.
• Drive automated response workflows and integration between NDR, SIEM, SOAR, and EDR platforms.
• Collaborate with Threat Hunting, Threat Intelligence, and Incident Response teams to translate TTPs into detections.
• Conduct reviews and risk assessments of network infrastructure changes to align with detection objectives.
• Mentor senior and junior security engineers with guidance on network defense and threat hunting.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Network security

Threat detection

Incident response

Mentoring

Education

CISSP

GCIA

GCIH

GNFA

CCNP Security

Tools

Corelight

Darktrace

ExtraHop

Zeek/Bro

Suricata

Wireshark

Splunk

Sentinel

Job description

Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation. Our teams develop cutting-edge solutions that help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. From advanced data analytics and AI to cybersecurity, we use innovative approaches to solve some of health care's most complex challenges. Your contributions here have the potential to change lives. Ready to build the next breakthrough? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

As a Principal Network Detection & Response Engineer within our Cyber Operations Group team, you will lead the architecture, deployment, and continuous optimization of enterprise-wide Network Detection and Response (NDR) capabilities. In this role, you will be instrumental in protecting critical enterprise assets by analyzing network telemetry, developing advanced threat detection logic, and orchestrating rapid response strategies against sophisticated cyber threats. You will collaborate closely with threat intelligence, incident response, and infrastructure teams to design resilient, cutting-edge security monitoring solutions across hybrid-cloud and on-premises environments.

You'll enjoy 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:

• Lead the strategy, architectural design, and optimization of Network Detection & Response (NDR) and network security monitoring platforms across hybrid enterprise environments
• Develop, test, and tune high-fidelity detection signatures, behavioral rules, and anomaly detection models to identify advanced persistent threats (APTs) and zero-day vulnerabilities
• Analyze complex network traffic, packet captures (PCAP), flow data, and encrypted telemetry to uncover evasive malicious activity and lateral movement
• Drive automated response workflows and integration between NDR tools, SIEM, SOAR, and Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) platforms to minimize Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR)
• Partner with Threat Hunting, Threat Intelligence, and Incident Response teams to translate emerging cyber threat tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) into actionable detections
• Conduct technical reviews, risk assessments, and architectural evaluations of proposed network infrastructure changes to ensure alignment with security detection objectives
• Mentor senior and junior security engineers, providing technical guidance, rule reviews, and subject matter expertise in network defense and threat hunting

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of professional experience in cybersecurity engineering, network security, or intrusion detection/prevention
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience deploying, configuring, and tuning Network Detection & Response (NDR) or Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) platforms (e.g., Corelight, Darktrace, ExtraHop, Zeek/Bro, Suricata)
• 3+ years of experience analyzing network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, TLS, BGP) and conducting deep packet inspection using tools such as Wireshark, Zeek, or Suricata
• 3+ years of experience integrating network telemetry and security alerts into enterprise SIEM (e.g., Splunk, Sentinel) and SOAR tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry certifications in information security or network security (e.g., CISSP, GCIA, GCIH, GNFA, CCNP Security)
• Experience engineering security detections for cloud networks and cloud‑native services (e.g., AWS VPC Traffic Mirroring, Azure Network Watcher, GCP Packet Mirroring)
• Knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK framework with demonstrated success mapping network detections to adversary techniques
• Solid background in decrypting or inspecting SSL/TLS traffic and analyzing encrypted network sessions
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical security risks and detection strategies to senior engineering and leadership 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 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.

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.