Senior Data Engineer

Taleo; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 92,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

UnitedHealth Group is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to join the Data Engineering Ops team. You will ensure reliability and performance of critical data systems, lead data loads monitoring, incident resolution, data quality checks, and automation using enterprise AI tools.

This role supports a flexible telecommute option from anywhere in the U.S. You will work on monitoring, troubleshooting, and automating data pipelines with Azure cloud platforms and leading technologies like Airflow,

Qualifications

• 10+ years of IT experience in software/data engineering or tech ops.
• 5+ years in data loads monitoring, operational data support, or production pipeline incident resolution.
• 5+ years designing automated data quality checks, validation frameworks, and pipeline automation using Scala or PySpark and SQL.
• 5+ years using enterprise cloud data platforms (Azure) and relational/distributed databases.
• 5+ years using data orchestration, scheduling, and monitoring platforms (Airflow, ADF, Databricks).

Responsibilities

• Monitor complex enterprise data loads and pipelines for high availability and SLA adherence.
• Lead proactive incident triage, root-cause analysis, and resolution of production data issues.
• Implement and refine data quality checks, validation rules, and monitoring frameworks.
• Drive continuous process automation to optimize workflows and reduce manual overhead.
• Use AI tools to streamline operations and improve data engineering workflows.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to inform design and innovation across data platforms.
• Establish data governance standards and documentation for reliable delivery.

Skills

Data loads monitoring

Operational data support

Pipeline automation

Scala / PySpark / SQL

Azure data platforms

Airflow / ADF / Databricks

AI tooling

Data governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology

Tools

Airflow

Databricks

ADF

Snowflake

Job description

Improve the lives of others while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Our Company

Optum Rx is helping people access safe and effective prescription medications and therapies at more affordable costs than those charged by manufacturers as part of Optum's mission to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team supports better health outcomes by connecting people to the pharmacy benefits, medications, and services they need to feel their best. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Position Summary

As a Senior Data Engineer on the Optum Rx Data Engineering Ops team, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, operational excellence, and continuous performance of critical data systems and pipelines. You will lead data loads monitoring, incident resolution, data quality checks, and process automation. In this role, you will leverage enterprise-approved AI tools to automate routine operational tasks, streamline incident triage, and enhance workflow efficiencies, while evaluating emerging technologies to drive strategic innovation across our healthcare data ecosystem.

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitor complex enterprise data loads and automated data pipelines to ensure high availability, system stability, and timely SLA execution
• Lead proactive incident triage, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and resolution for production data pipeline failures and operational issues
• Implement, automate, and refine robust data quality checks, validation rules, and monitoring frameworks across pharmacy data environments
• Drive continuous process automation to optimize operational workflows, reduce manual overhead, and accelerate incident recovery
• Use enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline operational workflows, automate tasks, and drive continuous improvement across data engineering operations
• Evaluate emerging trends and operational technologies to inform solution design, system optimization, and strategic innovation
• Establish operational best practices, documentation, and data governance standards to ensure secure and reliable data delivery

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:

• 10+ years of IT experience working in software engineering, data engineering, or technology operations environments
• 5+ years of experience in data loads monitoring, operational data support, or production pipeline incident resolution
• 5+ years of experience designing and implementing automated data quality checks, data validation frameworks, and pipeline automation using Scala or Pyspark, and SQL
• 5+ years of experience working with enterprise cloud data platforms Azure and relational/distributed databases
• 5+ years of experience using data orchestration, scheduling, and monitoring platforms (e.g., Airflow, ADF and Databricks)

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• Experience in the pharmacy benefits management (PBM), healthcare, or life sciences industry working with healthcare data domain models
• Industry technical certifications in cloud platforms or data engineering (e.g., AWS Certified Data Engineer, Snowflake Certified, or Databricks Certified)
• Demonstrated experience utilizing enterprise-approved AI or automation tools to streamline technical workflows and daily operational tasks
• Should have fair understanding of Snowflake

*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 $91,700 to $163,700 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.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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 improve 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.

UnitedHealth Group is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation for any part of the application process, please call 1-866-566-8715 to be connected to Recruitment Services. Recruitment Services hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

UnitedHealth Group is a registered service mark of UnitedHealth Group, Inc. The UnitedHealth Group name with the dimensional logo, as well as the dimensional logo alone, are both service marks for the UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.