AI/ML Engineer

About The Company
Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation dedicated to transforming the healthcare landscape through advanced technology solutions. Our teams develop cutting-edge products and services that empower individuals to live healthier lives and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system. By leveraging innovative approaches in data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development, we address some of the most complex challenges in healthcare today. Our mission is to create impactful solutions that have the potential to change lives, making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and effective for everyone.
Optum Insight, a division within Optum Tech, collaborates with payers, providers, governments, and life sciences companies to streamline clinical, administrative, and financial processes through software-enabled services and analytics. We focus on advancing value-based care by delivering differentiated products, technological insights, clinical expertise, and comprehensive analytics that support the entire healthcare ecosystem. Our technology and engineering teams are pivotal in driving innovation, ensuring the delivery of high-value solutions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
About The Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Lead AI/ML Engineer to join our Clinical Decision Support (CDS) Engineering team. This role involves leading the design, development, and deployment of AI-powered solutions that support payers and providers in administrative and clinical decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise across the full lifecycle of machine learning and generative AI solutions, from initial problem definition and data exploration to model development, deployment, and ongoing monitoring. This position offers the opportunity to work on impactful projects that directly influence healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
The Lead AI/ML Engineer will collaborate closely with product managers, data scientists, platform engineers, and business stakeholders to translate complex requirements into scalable, reliable, and innovative AI solutions. The role emphasizes architectural leadership, technical mentorship, and a commitment to best practices in software engineering and MLOps. Flexibility for remote work is available within the U.S., with specific in-office requirements for employees based in Minneapolis or Washington, D.C.
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience working with AI/ML infrastructure, tools, and platforms across the full development lifecycle
• Proficiency in Python, with strong fundamentals in computer science and experience processing large datasets
• 4+ years of experience working with cloud platforms such as GCP, Azure, or AWS (Azure preferred)
• 1+ years of experience building AI agents and solutions leveraging large language models (LLMs)
• Experience with MLOps practices, including deployment, monitoring, and model management
• Strong understanding of software engineering best practices, including CI/CD, testing, and observability

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions that translate business needs into scalable applications enhancing products, workflows, and decision-making processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scope, success metrics, and timelines, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality solutions
• Lead the full lifecycle of AI/ML initiatives, from problem formulation and data exploration to model deployment and monitoring
• Champion best practices in software engineering and MLOps, including code reviews, testing, and architectural decisions
• Guide and mentor junior engineers and peers, fostering a culture of continuous learning, technical rigor, and ownership
• Stay current with emerging AI/ML technologies, tools, and research, evaluating their applicability to healthcare solutions
• Drive innovation through rapid experimentation, data-driven decision-making, and adoption of new methodologies

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance plans
• Retirement savings options including 401(k) contributions
• Equity stock purchase programs
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work arrangements and remote work opportunities
• Professional development and continuous learning initiatives

Equal Opportunity
Optum Tech is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.