Data Engineering Consultant – MySQL DBA

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 a MySQL DBA – Operations, you will play a critical role in managing, optimizing, and securing MySQL and ProxySQL databases across on-premises and public cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). You will ensure high availability, performance, and reliability through clustering, tuning, automation, and proactive monitoring. You will also lead war room efforts and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to drive operational excellence.

This role reports to the Database Operations Lead and collaborates closely with Application Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure, and COE teams.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage and optimize the performance, availability, and security of MySQL, PXC clusters, and ProxySQL databases
• Lead and execute public cloud migrations (AWS, Azure GCP)
• Develop and deploy automation scripts (Shell, SQL, Python) for provisioning, monitoring, backups, and tuning
• Design and maintain Grafana and PMM dashboards for observability and anomaly detection
• Implement and manage database monitoring and alerting systems
• Ensure adherence to ITIL processes (Incident, Problem, Change Management)
• Plan and execute MySQL upgrades, patching, and migrations with minimal downtime
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex database issues in production environments
• Lead war room efforts during critical incidents and coordinate cross-functional resolution
• Conduct RCA for major incidents and implement preventive measures
• Enforce database security best practices (access control, encryption, vulnerability assessments)
• Collaborate with application teams to optimize queries, indexing, and schema design
• Stay current with emerging database technologies and cloud best practices
• 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science
• 6+ years of experience
• Proven experience as a MySQL and ProxySQL DBA in operational roles
• Solid experience with AWS, Azure, GCP, and cloud-native database services
• Expertise in clustering, cloud migrations, scripting, monitoring, ITIL, war room management, and RCA
• Deep understanding of ITIL processes and database security principles
• Proficiency in Shell, SQL, and Python scripting
• Proven solid analytical skills for query optimization and indexing strategies
• Proven excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior DBAs and work effectively under pressure

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.