Cyber Defense Solution Architect-Remote or Hybrid in MN or DC

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.

We are seeking a Cyber Defense Solution Architect to join our Enterprise Security Cyber Defense team. In this role, you will lead and support the development of enterprise cyber defense strategies, multi-year security roadmaps, and defensive blueprints while collaborating across threat hunting, intelligence, and operations teams to model emerging threats and technical countermeasures. You will leverage deep technical knowledge of network protocols, security controls, and modern software tools to evaluate future capabilities and align security solutions across the enterprise.

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

• Support the development of enterprise cyber defense strategies, multi-year security roadmaps, and a comprehensive defensive blueprint
• Collaborate with threat hunting, cyber threat intelligence, and security operations teams to model emerging threats and define effective technical countermeasures
• Assist in prototyping solutions and supporting proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives to evaluate future cyber defense capabilities
• Apply deep technical knowledge of network behaviors and traffic patterns (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S, TLS, BGP, east-west vs. north-south flows) to support threat detection strategy development
• Collaborate with enterprise architects, security leaders, and engineering teams to support the alignment of technical security controls with overarching defensive blueprints
• Leverage approved productivity and technology tools to streamline operational workflows, automate routine cybersecurity tasks, and drive continuous process improvement
• Evaluate emerging cybersecurity and technology trends to inform solution design and strategic defense innovation

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 in security solution engineering or security architecture supporting enterprise initiatives
• 5+ years of experience deploying, operating, and optimizing network security sensors
• 5+ years of experience analyzing application/networking protocols (e.g., HTTP/S, DNS, TCP/IP) and performing packet capture (pcap) analysis
• 2+ years of experience leading technical proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives in enterprise environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional security certifications (e.g., OSCP, GCIH, GCFA, CCNP Security, or AWS/Azure/GCP Security Specializations)
• Experience integrating network telemetry and security alerts into enterprise SIEM and SOAR platforms
• Experience developing network segmentation strategies, traffic enforcement controls, and security architecture placement
• Experience applying advanced network routing concepts and traffic flow analysis (e.g., BGP, east-west vs. north-south flows) to enhance threat detection strategies
• Experience utilizing network packet brokers for threat visibility, SSL/TLS decryption, and tool chaining
• Experience leveraging software and automation tools to analyze complex security data sets and optimize workflows

*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 $134,600 - $230,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

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.