Lead Software Engineer

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, and data they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

As a Lead Software Engineer within Optum Technology, you will design, develop, test, and deploy scalable enterprise software solutions with a focus on Generative AI and engineering productivity. In this role, you will build AI-powered applications, developer tools, and intelligent automation solutions that transform software delivery and operational efficiency. You will collaborate closely with architects, product owners, and cross-functional engineering teams to integrate AI capabilities into enterprise platforms and cloud services, delivering innovative technology solutions that make a direct impact on healthcare delivery.

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

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable enterprise software solutions with a focus on Generative AI and engineering productivity
• Build AI-powered applications, developer tools, and intelligent automation solutions that improve software delivery and operational efficiency
• Integrate AI capabilities into existing enterprise platforms, cloud services, APIs, and data pipelines
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI to improve software quality, automate manual processes, and accelerate engineering workflows
• Collaborate with architects, product owners, engineers, and business stakeholders to deliver innovative technology solutions
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies, frameworks, and best practices, recommending practical adoption within the organization
• Ensure applications meet enterprise standards for security, performance, reliability, maintainability, and scalability
• Contribute to technical documentation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement initiatives while serving as a technical resource for AI adoption
• 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

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (e.g., 5+ years of software engineering experience in lieu of a degree)
• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience designing and delivering enterprise cloud-based applications
• 5+ years of experience with modern software engineering practices, including Git, CI/CD, automated testing, and DevOps
• 3+ years of experience developing backend applications, services, or data integration solutions
• 3+ years of experience with SQL, database design, data integration, and ETL concepts
• 1+ years of hands-on experience with Generative AI, LLMs, AI-assisted development, or AI-powered applications
• Demonstrated ability to independently analyze complex systems, work through ambiguity, and translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions
• Proven ability to solve complex technical problems and collaborate effectively across engineering, architecture, product, and business teams

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field

Experience with C#/.NET

Experience with Azure Data Factory, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or similar cloud-based data integration technologies

Experience building or integrating solutions using Generative AI, LLMs, RAG, agentic AI, or other AI-powered technologies

Experience evaluating emerging AI frameworks, tools, and engineering practices for practical enterprise use

Experience applying AI to software development, technical analysis, testing, automation, or engineering productivity

Experience mentoring engineers, sharing technical practices, and helping teams adopt new technologies

*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 - $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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

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.

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