Senior Software Engineer
Optum · Union City, NJ · 3 wk ago
Information Technology$92k–$164k/yrFull-time
About the role
Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. As a Senior Software Engineer (Backend, AI-Focused), you will play a key part in designing, developing, and deploying scalable backend and AI-powered solutions to solve complex business challenges. You will work with modern technologies such as Python, Node.js, and Scala, leveraging Azure cloud services and data platforms like Azure Databricks and Unity Catalog to build high-performance, data-intensive applications and workflows.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and deploy scalable backend and AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges with an emphasis on responsible use of technology
- Develop data-intensive applications and services leveraging Python, Node.js, and Scala within distributed data platforms
- Build and optimize data pipelines and workflows using Azure Databricks, Unity Catalog, and associated Databricks capabilities
- Leverage enterprise-approved AI tools, LLMs, and developer assistants to accelerate development and enable intelligent automation
- Design and implement robust APIs, services, and data processing systems without UI dependencies
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, data, and business teams to deliver scalable, high-performance solutions
- Lead architectural discussions, design reviews, and contribute to system-level decision making
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, fostering engineering best practices and collaboration
- Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize backend systems, data pipelines, and AI-driven services across environments
- Integrate CI/CD, infrastructure automation, and observability into development workflows using modern DevOps practices
- Design and develop AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges with emphasis on responsible use of AI
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience
- 5+ years of professional Software Engineering experience
- 5+ years of experience demonstrating a strong analytical mindset with problem-solving and debugging skills
- 4+ years of experience designing and implementing scalable backend systems and data-driven applications
- 3+ years of experience with infrastructure-as-code and automation tools such as Terraform
- 3+ years of experience using GitHub, GitHub Actions, and code quality tools like SonarQube
- 3+ years of experience with backend programming languages such as Python, Node.js, or Scala
- 2+ years of experience with cloud platform technologies such as Microsoft Azure (including Data Factory, Functions, and related services)
- 2+ years of experience working with data platforms such as Azure Databricks, including Unity Catalog and distributed data processing
- 2+ years of experience working in an Agile development team environment
- 2+ years of experience working with relational and non-relational databases (multiple SQL technologies preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing or integrating AI-powered capabilities, LLMs, or agentic models into production systems
- Hands-on experience with Azure AI services, Databricks ML features, or model lifecycle management
- Strong experience working with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and automated deployment workflows
- Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes and microservices architecture
- Exposure to large-scale data engineering, data governance, and cataloging solutions
- Proven ability to adapt to evolving technologies and rapidly learn new tools and frameworks
- Strong collaboration skills with experience working in cross-functional and data-centric teams