Technical Program Leader

Optum; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 113,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Optum is seeking a seasoned Technical Program Leader to orchestrate execution across multiple engineering organizations, delivering platform capabilities through coordinated planning and cross-functional leadership.

This role supports remote work from anywhere in the U.S., requires deep experience with Agile, ARTs, and scalable software architectures, and partners with PMs, Security, Infrastructure, and Operations to drive end-to-end delivery.

Qualifications

• 7+ years leading complex cross-functional software delivery in enterprise technology.
• Experience coordinating multiple engineering teams across Software Engineering, Product Management, QA, Infrastructure, & Architecture.
• 5+ years working with modern software architectures, including APIs, microservices, cloud technologies, CI/CD, and distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex cross-functional technology programs from planning through successful delivery of platform capabilities.
• Coordinate execution across multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs), alignment of dependencies, priorities, milestones, and release readiness.
• Partner with Technical Product Managers, Engineering, Architecture, Security, Infrastructure, & Operations teams to drive end-to-end delivery.
• Develop and maintain integrated program plans, executive dashboards, KPIs, risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate cross-team planning, PI execution, release management, and governance activities to ensure predictable delivery.
• Coordinate enterprise initiatives including security remediation, operational readiness, resiliency, disaster recovery, compliance, and production release activities.
• Drive execution of cross-domain technical initiatives by understanding system architecture, integration points, and platform dependencies.
• Identify delivery risks, remove roadblocks, and elevate issues proactively to leadership while balancing competing priorities across multiple workstreams.
• Champion continuous improvement by leveraging Agile best practices, delivery metrics, AI enabled productivity tools, and process automation.
• Communicate program status, executive updates, and strategic recommendations to engineering leadership and business stakeholders.

Skills

Technical Program Management

Cross-functional leadership

Agile delivery

Software engineering

Analytical/problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/engineering/IT

PMP/ PMI-ACP / SAFe SPC / SAFe Agilist / Scrum Master

Tools

Jira

Rally

Azure DevOps

CI/CD pipelines

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?

Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Serves as the technical program leader responsible for orchestrating execution across multiple engineering organizations, ensuring strategic initiatives are delivered through effective dependency management, technical coordination, and cross-functional leadership.

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

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead complex cross-functional technology programs from planning through successful delivery of OCPN platform capabilities
• Coordinate execution across multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs), ensuring alignment of dependencies, priorities, milestones, and release of readiness
• Partner with Technical Product Managers, Engineering, Architecture, Security, Infrastructure, & Operations teams to drive end-to-end delivery
• Develop and maintain integrated program plans, executive dashboards, KPIs, risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies
• Facilitate cross-team planning, PI execution, release management, and governance activities to ensure predictable delivery
• Coordinate enterprise initiatives including security remediation, operational readiness, resiliency, disaster recovery, compliance, and production release activities
• Drive execution of cross-domain technical initiatives by understanding system architecture, integration points, and platform dependencies
• Identify delivery risks, remove roadblocks, and elevate issues proactively to leadership while balancing competing priorities across multiple workstreams
• Champion continuous improvement by leveraging Agile best practices, delivery metrics, AI enabled productivity tools, and process automation
• Communicate program status, executive updates, and strategic recommendations to engineering leadership and business stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Technical Program Management, Technical Project Management, or Software Engineering within enterprise technology organizations
• 7+ years of experience leading complex cross-functional software delivery programs in Agile environments
• 7+ years of experience coordinating multiple engineering teams across Software Engineering, Product Management, QA, Infrastructure, & Architecture
• 5+ years of experience working with modern software architectures, including APIs, microservices, cloud technologies, CI/CD pipelines, and distributed systems
• 5+ years of experience coordinating delivery across multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs), managing cross-team dependencies, risks, and release planning
• 5+ years of experience facilitating executive governance meetings, program reviews, and stakeholder communications for technical initiatives
• 5+ years of experience applying analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced technology environments
• 5+ years of experience working with enterprise Agile tools such as Jira, Rally, Azure DevOps, or similar platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science/engineering/information technology, or related field
• PMP, PMI-ACP, SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), SAFe Agilist, Scrum Master, or equivalent Certification
• Experience supporting enterprise payment platforms, financial services, healthcare, or other highly regulated environments
• Experience coordinating cloud modernization or enterprise platform transformation initiatives
• Experience using AI/ML-powered productivity tools to improve program execution, reporting, or delivery management
• Knowledge of security, operational excellence, disaster recovery, resiliency, and production release management practices
• Familiarity with SAFe Agile, Agile Release Trains (ARTs), PI Planning, and Lean Portfolio Management
• 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 to $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.