Job Summary:

The Principal Data Engineer serves as a technical lead responsible for defining, implementing, and maintaining high-level data architecture, governance, and compliance. This role supports existing reporting and analytics processes while driving modernization through automation and AI/ML. The Principal Data Engineer ensures the development of scalable, automated solutions that integrate seamlessly into core workflows and empowers business-focused analytics teams to generate insights efficiently. Additionally, this role plays a key part in upskilling and mentoring Senior and Data Engineers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This position must be able to: 

• Lead strategic automation efforts to minimize manual data processing in risk adjustment, claims analysis, and quality reporting.
• Architect data pipelines, integrations, and AI-assisted reporting solutions to enhance existing workflows.
• Drive the exploration and implementation of Azure AI/ML use cases, prioritizing practical and low-risk applications such as anomaly detection in claims and provider coding optimization.
• Ensure SQL, ETL/ELT, and reporting platforms are optimized, scalable, and well-documented for broad team adoption.
• Act as a technical mentor for Senior Data Engineers, providing guidance and support in implementing automation and integrations.
• Support compliance with industry regulations such as HEDIS, CMS, Medicare Advantage, and Risk Adjustment.
• Collaborate with business-focused analytics teams to enhance reporting efficiency without replacing their functions.

Education and Experience:

Education:

•  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

Required Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in data engineering, automation, and healthcare analytics, particularly in risk adjustment, claims data, or regulatory reporting.
• Expertise in SQL, Python, ETL/ELT workflows, and cloud data platforms (Azure, AWS).
• Strong understanding of HEDIS, CMS regulations, Medicare Advantage, and risk adjustment best practices.
• Proven track record in leading teams, mentoring engineers, and driving process automation initiatives.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with Azure AI APIs, Power Automate, and low-code AI automation solutions (but NOT required on day one).
• Familiarity with big data processing, data governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Knowledge of data visualization tools and business intelligence platforms.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentorship skills.
• Decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency in designing scalable and automated data solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance and governance.

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work involving sitting for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers and office equipment.

ABOUT HEALTHTEAM ADVANTAGE

HealthTeam Advantage is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

HealthTeam Advantage (HTA), a Greensboro-based health insurance company, offers Medicare Advantage plans to eligible Medicare beneficiaries in 33 North Carolina counties. HTA has been named a “Best Places to Work” finalist three times by Triad Business Journal. To learn more, visit HealthTeamAdvantage.com