Principal Database Administrator

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.

The UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement Technology team is seeking an experienced Principal Postgres Database Administrator to manage, maintain, and optimize PostgreSQL environments across on-premises and cloud platforms. In this role, you will lead high-availability enterprise database operations, disaster recovery, cloud migration, and performance tuning for critical healthcare applications. You will also leverage modern automation tools and intelligent technology solutions to streamline workflows, enhance database architecture, and drive continuous operational improvement across enterprise data platforms.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and maintain PostgreSQL databases across production and non-production environments to ensure security, stability, and high performance
• Perform database refresh activities between environments and execute patching and upgrade activities
• Analyze PostgreSQL database architecture-including memory management, indexing, WAL, MVCC, and query execution plans-to tune configurations and resolve complex performance issues
• Implement and manage repmgr cluster technology for high availability and failover, promptly resolving cluster node failures to minimize downtime
• Design and execute migration strategies from on-premises environments to cloud platforms such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Microsoft Azure
• Establish and execute logical and physical backup, recovery, and disaster recovery procedures using native PostgreSQL tools and third-party solutions to ensure data integrity and business continuity
• Configure and manage logical replication and streaming replication for data synchronization across environments
• Design, develop, and deploy intelligent automation solutions and data platforms to streamline database management workflows and address complex enterprise technical challenges
• Evaluate emerging data technologies, database tools, and platform innovations to inform solution design, architecture, and strategic modernization

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience as a Postgres Database Administrator or Data Engineer in enterprise environments
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with PostgreSQL architecture, including memory management, WAL, MVCC, vacuum processes, indexing, and query tuning
• 3+ years of experience with repmgr clustering technology, failover handling, and cluster node recovery
• 3+ years of experience designing and executing database migration strategies from on-premises to cloud platforms (e.g., GCP or Azure)
• 3+ years of experience configuring and managing logical replication, streaming replication, backup, recovery, and disaster recovery procedures in production environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field
• Proven experience leveraging enterprise automation tools or modern technology solutions to optimize workflows and system reliability
• Experience with automation and infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform) for database deployments
• Hands-on experience with database monitoring tools such as pgAdmin, Prometheus, or Grafana
• Scripting proficiency in Shell, Python, or similar languages for database task automation
• Experience with cloud-native database services on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Microsoft Azure

*All employees working remotely 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 $112,700 to $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.