Remote Optimization Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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We are seeking a Software Engineer 2 to join our cloud cost optimization team. This role is ideal for early-career professionals who are eager to learn and grow in Azure-based data engineering. You will work closely with senior engineers and architects to help build, maintain, and optimize data pipelines and analytics solutions using Databricks and Azure services.
Work Style: This position's work style is remote from any of the locations listed below. You must reside in close proximity to one of these locations:
IT Hub Location Options: Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Louisville, KY; Nashville, TN; Tampa, FL; or the New York City Metro area.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain data pipelines and notebooks using Azure Databricks under senior guidance.
• Assist in monitoring cloud spend and resource utilization using Unravel and Azure tools, identify cost anomalies, investigate usage spikes, and collaborate with senior team members to implement cost optimization solutions and provide visibility to leadership.
• Monitor Databricks jobs and clusters, escalating performance or cost issues as needed.
• Collaborate with data engineers, analysts, and cloud architects on data and cost optimization initiatives.
• Troubleshoot data pipeline failures and performance issues.
• Follow data governance, security, and coding best practices.
• Document solutions, processes, and lessons learned.
• Continuously learn and apply new programming skills and technologies to meet evolving project needs.
• Handle assignments with increasing complexity and scope.
• Develop an understanding of systems, technology, and organizational structure within the company.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 0 to 2 years of relevant experience.

Required Skills

• Experience with Python and SQL.
• Hands-on experience, coursework, internship, or certification in a major cloud platform (Azure preferred; AWS or GCP also considered).
• Basic understanding or hands-on exposure to Apache Spark/Azure Databricks.
• Understanding of basic software development practices (e.g., version control, code reviews).
• Strong willingness to learn cloud data engineering and cost optimization concepts.
• Highly motivated, self-starting team player with a willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly and adapt to evolving cloud, data, and AI-driven platforms.
• Experience in the healthcare industry is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Eager to adapt to new challenges and technologies.
• Openness to feedback, coaching, and collaboration with peers and senior team members.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Exposure to PySpark, Delta Lake, or MLflow.
• Familiarity with Power BI or other BI/reporting tools.
• Understanding of cloud cost concepts (auto-scaling, resource usage).
• Experience with CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Coursework or project experience with streaming technologies (e.g., Event Hubs, Kafka).
• Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900), or other cloud certifications are a plus.

What We Offer

• Supportive environment that encourages growth and learning.
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects that support healthcare process.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Competitive, performance-based incentives.

Use your skills to make an impact

Why Humana?

You'll experience the following perks as a full-time Humana employee:

Humana offers a variety of benefits to promote the best health and well-being of our employees and their families. We design competitive and flexible packages to give our employees a sense of financial security-both today and in the future, including:

• Health benefits effective day 1
• Paid time off, holidays, volunteer time and jury duty pay
• Recognition pay
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Tuition assistance
• Scholarships for eligible dependents
• Parental and caregiver leave
• Employee charity matching program
• Network Resource Groups (NRGs)
• Career development opportunities

Interview Format:

As part of our hiring process for this opportunity, we will be using an interviewing technology called HireVue to enhance our hiring and decision-making ability. HireVue allows us to quickly connect and gain valuable information from you pertaining to your relevant skills and experience at a time that is best for your schedule.

Work-At-Home Requirements

To ensure Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees' ability to work effectively, the self-provided internet service of Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees must meet the following criteria:

• At minimum, a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps is required; wireless, wired cable or DSL connection is suggested.
• Satellite, cellular and microwave connection can be used only if approved by leadership.
• Employees who live and work from Home in the state of California, Illinois, Montana, or South Dakota will be provided a bi-weekly payment for their internet expense.
• Humana will provide Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees with telephone equipment appropriate to meet the business requirements for their position/job.
• Work from a dedicated space lacking ongoing interruptions to protect member PHI / HIPAA information.

#LI-Remote

Social Security Task

Humana values personal identity protection. Please be aware that applicants may be asked to provide their Social Security Number, if it is not already on file. When required, an email will be sent from Humana@myworkday.com with instructions on how to add the information into your official application on Humana's secure website.

Limited Geography Remote - This is a remote position but located within a specific geography.

Work at Home Requirements: To ensure Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees' ability to work effectively, the self-provided internet service of Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees must meet the following criteria: At minimum, a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps is required; wireless, wired cable or DSL connection is suggested. In certain roles, the minimum recommended internet speed required by Humana may not be sufficient for business needs. Humana reserves the right to require associates to upgrade their internet service if necessary. Work from a dedicated space lacking ongoing interruptions to protect member PHI / HIPAA information.Travel: While this is a remote position, occasional travel to Humana's offices for training or meetings may be required.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Pay Range

The compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.

$80,900 - $110,300 per year

This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance.

Description of Benefits

Humana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, "Humana") offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, paid parental and caregiver leave), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and many other opportunities.
About us
About Humana: Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health - delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer atHumana.comand atCenterWell.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of Humana not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. It is also the policy of Humana to take affirmative action, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA, to employ and to advance in employment individuals with disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.