Software Engineer (Python, API)

About The Company
Optum is a global organization dedicated to delivering innovative care solutions aided by cutting-edge technology to help millions of individuals lead healthier lives. Our mission is to improve health outcomes by connecting people with essential care services, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources necessary for optimal well-being. We foster a culture rooted in diversity, inclusion, and continuous professional development, supported by talented peers and comprehensive benefits. At Optum, you will find opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful impact on communities worldwide. Join us in our commitment to advancing health optimization on a global scale—Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
About The Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Software Engineer to join Optum AI, UnitedHealth Group’s enterprise AI team. In this pivotal role, you will serve as a hands-on technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and delivering end-to-end AI-driven products and systems. Your expertise will help translate ambitious ideas into resilient, scalable, and production-grade solutions that span modern front-end interfaces, cloud-native services, and AI/ML integrations. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Data, Security, and Platform teams to ensure technical excellence and operational efficiency. This role offers the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S., with specific in-office requirements for employees based in Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. The position provides an exciting opportunity to influence the future of healthcare technology while leading complex initiatives that impact millions of lives.
Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, including building and operating complex, multi-component distributed systems
• 4+ years of experience developing backend services and APIs using Python (FastAPI), Node.js, or similar frameworks
• 3+ years of experience serving as a technical lead for cross-cutting initiatives, maintaining active involvement in design and implementation
• 3+ years of experience developing modern front-end applications with React or Angular and TypeScript
• 3+ years of experience deploying and operating applications in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP), including containerization with Docker and microservices architecture
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks and integrating AI capabilities into production systems
• Strong understanding of distributed systems design, security, DevOps practices, and operational resilience
• Proficiency with DevOps tools supporting CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and observability
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to mentor and collaborate effectively across teams

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and evolve comprehensive full-stack systems, including front-end applications, backend services, APIs, and integrations
• Make architectural decisions focusing on scalability, reliability, security, and performance in distributed environments
• Apply and uphold engineering standards through design reviews, code reviews, and technical collaborations
• Develop modern front-end applications emphasizing usability, accessibility, and performance using React or Angular with TypeScript
• Build and maintain backend services and APIs utilizing Python (FastAPI), Node.js, or equivalent frameworks, following RESTful and event-driven patterns
• Implement asynchronous processing, event-driven workflows, and API versioning strategies for production systems
• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into applications, including model inference APIs and data-driven workflows
• Partner with Data Science and ML Engineering teams to operationalize AI features from prototypes to scalable production solutions
• Develop secure applications with robust authentication, authorization, data protection, and secrets management
• Implement identity and access management patterns such as OAuth2, RBAC, and token-based sessions
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and DevOps workflows supporting rapid and reliable deployment cycles
• Monitor system performance, reliability, and resilience, utilizing observability tools to optimize operational health
• Lead and influence technical direction for complex projects, acting as a primary escalation point and ensuring cohesive system design
• Mentor engineers at mid and senior levels through code reviews, collaborative problem solving, and technical guidance

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Equity stock purchase options and 401(k) contributions
• Flexible remote work arrangements within the U.S.
• Professional development opportunities and career growth programs
• Paid time off and holiday leave
• Inclusive work environment promoting diversity and inclusion
• Access to cutting-edge AI and healthcare technology tools

Equal Opportunity
Optum and UnitedHealth Group are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, providing consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We ensure all employment practices are compliant with applicable laws and regulations. We also support a drug-free workplace and require candidates to pass a drug test prior to employment. We believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join our team in making a positive impact on healthcare worldwide.