Freelance Databricks Data Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

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 Senior Data Engineer on the UHC Core Data KTLO team, you will join our dynamic technology organization in Eden Prairie, MN, dedicated to building and optimizing robust data pipelines and systems that power critical healthcare platforms. In this role, you will design and deliver modern data and AI-powered solutions, platforms, and automations for enterprise scale. You will work with state-of-the-art technologies such as Python, Spark, Scala, and Kafka to build scalable, high-performance data processing pipelines and apply data warehousing and modeling best practices. You will play a key role in driving innovation by identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and leverage advanced tools to address complex business challenges. Focus on KTLO activities, including vulnerability remediation, tool and version upgrades, data security, and platform stability. Additionally, support Azure Data Factory pipelines, Databricks workloads, and cloud components such as Blob Storage and AzCopy.
You will enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges with emphasis on responsible use of AI
• Design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines using Python, PySpark, SQL, and Databricks
• Build and support batch and streaming data solutions using Kafka and Azure Data Factory
• Support KTLO activities including production support, incident resolution, vulnerability remediation, platform upgrades, and system reliability
• Implement automation and AI-enabled solutions to improve engineering efficiency and operational processes
• Optimize data models, queries, and large-scale data processing workloads
• Collaborate with business and technology partners to deliver high-quality data solutions
• Ensure compliance with security, governance, and healthcare data privacy requirements
• Contribute to CI/CD, monitoring, and cloud modernization initiatives
• Apply and promote data warehousing, data modeling, and database design best practices
• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges with emphasis on responsible use of AI

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:

• 5+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience with Python, SQL, Spark/PySpark, and Databricks
• 3+ years of experience with data warehousing, dimensional modeling, and database design
• 2+ years of experience with Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake, or related cloud data services
• 2+ years of experience with Apache Kafka or streaming technologies
• 2+ years of production support and KTLO experience, including troubleshooting and platform maintenance
• 1+ years of experience building data pipelines using Databricks Medallion Architecture
• 1+ years of Experience with CI/CD, and automation practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
• Experience with Azure cloud technologies
• Experience with Airflow for workflow orchestration
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, or Infrastructure as Code
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or Looker
• Experience working with healthcare data and HIPAA-regulated environments
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL, Cosmos DB, MongoDB, or Snowflake
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

*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 to $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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