Python Software Engineer

Requisition Number: 2359632
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.
Role is for a hands on Python Software Engineering Manager who can lead a team of engineers while actively contributing to the design and development of scalable platforms. This role requires solid Python development expertise and a solid understanding of Infrastructure as Code using Terraform to support modern cloud-native architectures
This position follows a hybrid schedule with three in-office days per week. Prefers someone in Chicago, IL
Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers while remaining actively involved in coding and technical design
• Design, build, and maintain backend services and automation frameworks using Python
• Develop and manage Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform to provision and manage cloud environments
• Collaborate with architecture, DevOps, and platform teams to build secure, scalable, and resilient systems
• Establish engineering best practices for code quality, CI/CD pipelines, testing, and observability
• Review code, guide system design decisions, and ensure adherence to modern engineering standards
• Drive technical execution and delivery across multiple initiatives while balancing hands-on development and team leadership
• Partner with product and business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of software engineering experience
• 5+ years of experience with cloud platforms (AWS preferred), including services such as Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, or EC2
• 5+ years of experience designing and building APIs, microservices, and distributed systems in production environments
• 3+ years of hands-on Python development in production environments (eg, FastAPI, Flask)
• 2+ years of experience leading or managing engineering teams (minimum team size of 3+)
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with Terraform for infrastructure provisioning and automation
• 2+ years of experience implementing CI/CD pipelines using tools such as GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or similar
• 1+ years of experience working with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building platform or developer tooling
• Familiarity with AI/ML or LLM-based systems and modern automation frameworks
• Experience in high-scale enterprise environments
• Proven excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills

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.
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.