Principal Data Engineer

As a Principal Data Engineer at Optum, you will support the Rx Max 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.

• 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

• 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

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

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

• 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 Snow Pro 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,…