Associate Data Analyst – Scala, PySpark, Azure Cloud, AI

Optum’s interview process usually starts with a timed online aptitude test, followed by a technical interview that probes deep into Scala, PySpark, and Azure concepts, as well as AI/LLM fundamentals. The final HR round assesses cultural fit and communication. Candidates should practice problem‑solving under time pressure and be ready to discuss real‑world data pipeline projects.

Optum promotes a data‑centric culture where learning and collaboration are core values. Employees benefit from mentorship programs, regular tech talks, and a balanced work‑life environment that encourages flexibility. The company’s global footprint provides exposure to diverse projects and clear career progression pathways.

Graduate degree (B.E/B.Tech/B.Sc) in any engineering or science discipline; minimum 60% aggregate or CGPA 6.0/10; batch years 2022‑2026 accepted; no active backlogs at the time of joining; 1+ years of data analytics experience or relevant project work; strong coding skills in Scala and PySpark; hands‑on experience with Microsoft Azure; good communication skills.

Round 1: Online Aptitude & Logical Reasoning Test → Round 2: Technical Interview covering Scala, PySpark, Azure concepts and AI fundamentals → Round 3: HR Interview focusing on fit, communication and career aspirations

Optum, a leading health services and innovation company under UnitedHealth Group, has built a reputation for leveraging data and technology to improve health outcomes worldwide. With a strong focus on digital transformation, Optum offers a vibrant ecosystem where data scientists, engineers, and analysts collaborate to create scalable solutions for healthcare providers, insurers, and patients. The company’s culture emphasizes continuous learning, cross‑functional teamwork, and a commitment to delivering measurable impact through data‑driven insights. The Associate Data Analyst role in Hyderabad is designed for fresh graduates or early‑career professionals who are passionate about turning raw data into actionable intelligence. Reporting to senior data engineers, the analyst will work on end‑to‑end data pipelines, develop algorithms, and integrate AI/LLM capabilities to automate business processes. This position blends traditional data analytics with modern cloud‑native development, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience with Scala, PySpark, and Azure while contributing to high‑impact healthcare projects. Key Responsibilities: 1. Collaborate with business stakeholders to gather and translate requirements into technical specifications. 2. Design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines using Scala and PySpark on Azure Databricks. 3. Implement CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and deployment of data‑processing jobs. 4. Integrate RESTful APIs to ingest external data sources and expose processed results. 5. Apply AI and Large Language Model techniques to automate repetitive analytical tasks. 6. Conduct performance tuning and optimization of Spark jobs to ensure cost‑effective processing. 7. Participate in Agile ceremonies, maintain sprint backlogs, and deliver incremental value each sprint. 8. Document code, data models, and solution architecture for knowledge sharing. 9. Perform data quality checks and validation to guarantee accuracy of insights. 10. Stay updated with emerging technologies and propose innovative solutions to improve existing workflows. Tech Stack: Scala, PySpark, Azure (Databricks, Data Lake, Synapse), Git, Azure DevOps, CI/CD, REST APIs, Agile (Scrum), Rally (optional), AI/LLM frameworks. Growth Path: Starting as an Associate Data Analyst, high performers can progress to Senior Data Engineer, Data Solutions Architect, or AI Product Lead within 2‑4 years, benefitting from Optum’s robust internal training programs and mentorship. Why Join Optum? Optum offers a competitive compensation package, exposure to cutting‑edge healthcare data problems, and a collaborative environment that encourages innovation. Employees enjoy flexible work arrangements, continuous upskilling opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible difference in the health sector.