Principal Data Engineering| Eden Prairie, MN | Remote

Principal Data Engineer

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.

The Principal Data Engineer is a senior technical leader within the OHBI program, responsible for designing, building, and evolving enterprise-scale, AI-enabled data platforms that power analytics, reporting, and machine learning.

This role combines hands-on engineering with architectural leadership, owning end-to-end data platform design across Azure, Snowflake, dbt, and modern Lakehouse technologies. The Principal Data Engineer sets engineering standards, ensures production excellence, and serves as a key partner to architecture, product, analytics, and data science teams.

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.

• Enterprise Data Platform Architecture
• Advanced Data Engineering & Pipeline Development
• AI / ML Data Enablement
• Data Quality, Reliability & Production Ownership
• CI/CD, Governance & Security
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship
• Leadership Expectations
• Stakeholder Collaboration

• Extensive experience with cloud data platforms, especially Azure and Snowflake
• Solid hands-on expertise in: SQL and Python, Azure Data Factory - Data pipeline design and orchestration, Snowflake - tasks and streams design and orchestration
• Deep understanding of data integration patterns (batch, micro-batch, streaming, near real-time)
• Experience with data quality, observability, monitoring, and production support
• Proven ability to design for performance tuning, scalability, and cost optimization
• Experience enabling AI/ML data pipelines and solutions
• Experience in implementing a new platform including new technologies and solutioning to ensure the business needs are met before technology needs
• Demonstrated technical leadership and mentorship experience

• Bachelor's degree, Computer Science or related field
• Experience with Databricks and/or modern data ecosystem tools
• Familiarity with BI/Analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI)
• Prior experience within Optum / UHG environments
• Experience with Lakehouse patterns and Apache Iceberg
• Solid communication skills with ability to influence senior stakeholders

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.

Final date to receive applications:
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.

United Health 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.

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