Principal zOS Communications Services Engineer

Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation. Our teams develop cutting-edge solutions that help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. From advanced data analytics and AI to cybersecurity, we use innovative approaches to solve some of health care's most complex challenges. Your contributions here have the potential to change lives. Ready to build the next breakthrough? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

As a Principal Infrastructure & Operations Engineer specializing in zSystems Mainframe Network Programming, you will join our enterprise infrastructure team to configure, tune, and optimize critical mainframe network communications. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring high availability, performance, and security across z/OS Communications Server environments, file transfer protocols, and mainframe networking infrastructure. You will leverage modern mainframe tools and enterprise-approved AI capabilities to streamline workflows, troubleshoot complex operational issues, and drive continuous excellence across enterprise healthcare systems.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Configure, tune, and troubleshoot z/OS Communications Server and associated tasks, including VTAM, TCP/IP, Policy Agent, TN3270, and FTP
• Install, configure, and maintain Connect:Direct/NDM and native file transfer protocols (FTP, SFTP, FTPS using TLS)
• Define, implement, and maintain Policy Agent configurations and Open Systems Adapter (OSA) definitions
• Provide advanced technical troubleshooting and performance optimization using mainframe network monitoring tools
• Serve in an on-call rotation to support maintenance change windows and system updates, including scheduled weekend work
• Use enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline workflows, automate routine tasks, analyze operational data, and drive continuous process improvement
• Evaluate emerging technology trends, including AI integration capabilities for mainframe and LinuxOne system programming, to inform solution design and operational strategy

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:

• 10+ years of mainframe system programming experience with demonstrated proficiency in TSO/ISPF
• 10+ years of experience configuring, tuning, and troubleshooting zSeries Communication Services (VTAM, TCP/IP, TN3270)
• 5+ years of experience utilizing network monitoring and troubleshooting tools (e.g., NetView, MainView, or OMEGAMON)
• 3+ years of experience installing, configuring, and supporting Connect:Direct / NDM
• Ability to provide 24x7x365 operational support

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Experience with Connect:Direct File Agent implementation and usage
• Hands-on experience using SMP/E for software installation and maintenance
• Proficiency in writing and maintaining REXX and/or NetView REXX scripts
• Ability to leverage enterprise-approved AI tools (such as Microsoft 365 Copilot) to analyze data, summarize meetings, draft communications, and provide technical recommendations
• Awareness of emerging AI trends and applications for LinuxOne and mainframe system programming

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 - $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.