Cloud Architect

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, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start **Caring. Connecting. Growing together.**

As part of our strategic initiative to build a centralized capability around data and cloud engineering, we are establishing a dedicated Azure Cloud Data Engineering practice under RMI - Optum Advisory umbrella. This team will be at the forefront of designing, developing, and deploying scalable data solutions on cloud primarily using Microsoft Azure platform. The practice will serve as a centralized team, driving innovation, standardization, and best practices across cloud-based data initiatives. New hires will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our data landscape, collaborating with cross-functional teams, clients, and stakeholders to deliver impactful, end-to-end solutions.

**Primary Responsibilities**:

- Design and implement secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud data architectures using cloud services such as Azure Data Factory (ADF), Azure Databricks, Azure Storage, Key Vault, Snowflake, Synapse Analytics, MS Fabric/Power BI etc.
- Define and lead data & cloud strategy, including migration plans, modernization of legacy systems, and adoption of new cloud capabilities
- Collaborate with clients to understand business requirements and translate them into optimal cloud architecture solutions, balancing performance, security, and cost
- Evaluate and compare cloud services (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, Synapse Analytics) and recommend the best-fit solutions based on project needs and organizational goals
- Lead the full lifecycle of data platform and product implementations, from planning and design to deployment and support
- Drive cloud migration initiatives, ensuring smooth transition from on-premise systems while engaging and upskilling existing teams
- Lead and mentor a team of cloud and data engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence
- Plan and guide the team in building Proof of Concepts (POCs), exploring new cloud capabilities, and validating emerging technologies
- Establish and maintain comprehensive documentation for cloud setup processes, architecture decisions, and operational procedures
- Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements, present solutions, and ensure alignment with business objectives
- Ensure all cloud solutions adhere to security best practices, compliance standards, and governance policies
- Prepare case studies and share learnings from implementations to build organizational knowledge and improve future projects
- Building and analyzing data engineering processes and act as an SME to troubleshoot performance issues and suggesting solutions to improve
- Develop and maintain CI/CD processes using Jenkins, GitHub, Github Actions, Maven etc
- Building test framework for the Databricks notebook jobs for automated testing before code deployment
- Continuously explore new Azure services and capabilities; assess their applicability to business needs
- Create detailed documentation for cloud processes, architecture, and implementation patterns
- Contribute to full lifecycle project implementations, from design and development to deployment and monitoring
- Identifies solutions to non-standard requests and problems
- Mentor and support existing on-prem developers for cloud environment
- Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

**Required Qualifications**:

- Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience
- 12+ years of overall experience in Data & Analytics engineering
- 10+ years of solid experience working as an Architect designing data platforms using Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, ADF, Data Lake, Synapse Analytics, Power BI etc.
- 10+ years of experience working with data platform or product using PySpark and Spark-SQL
- In-depth experience designing complex Azure architecture for various business needs & ability to come up with efficient design & solutions
- Solid expe