AI/ML Engineer - Remote

About The Company
Optum Tech is a global leader in healthcare innovation dedicated to transforming the healthcare landscape through advanced technological solutions. Our teams develop cutting-edge products and services that empower individuals to lead healthier lives while streamlining healthcare systems for better efficiency and effectiveness. Leveraging expertise in data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development, we address some of healthcare's most complex challenges with innovative approaches. Our commitment to impactful solutions enables us to improve patient outcomes, enhance provider efficiency, and support payers in delivering value-based care. As a part of UnitedHealth Group, Optum Tech fosters a collaborative environment focused on growth, innovation, and making a tangible difference in healthcare worldwide.
About The Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Lead AI/ML Engineer to join our Clinical Decision Support (CDS) Engineering team within Optum Insight. This leadership role involves driving the development and deployment of generative AI and machine learning solutions that directly impact healthcare delivery. You will oversee the entire lifecycle of AI projects—from designing scalable and secure architectures to building, testing, and operationalizing models in production environments. Your expertise will be instrumental in creating innovative solutions that improve clinical decision-making, administrative processes, and member engagement. The role offers the flexibility of remote work within the U.S., with in-office requirements for candidates based in Minneapolis or Washington, D.C., to ensure team collaboration and alignment. This position provides an exciting opportunity to influence healthcare systems at a large scale and contribute to meaningful change in patient care and operational efficiency.
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field
• 10+ years of industry or academic experience in machine learning or related disciplines
• 5+ years of experience developing models for business applications
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing technical teams
• Deep understanding of Deep Learning applications, particularly in NLP and multimodal modeling
• Proficiency in Python programming and experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Experience with big data processing tools like Hadoop and Spark
• Hands-on experience with AI technology stacks, deployment, and MLOps in cloud environments, preferably Microsoft Azure
• Knowledge of state-of-the-art ML algorithms, architectures, including Transformers, LLMs, and GNNs
• In-depth familiarity with generative AI, LLM optimization, and large-scale natural language processing
• Experience working with unstructured healthcare data, such as clinical notes and documents

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of generative AI and machine learning projects, managing ambiguity, scale, and complexity
• Design and implement scalable, secure, and efficient AI architectures, selecting appropriate technologies and frameworks
• Build, experiment with, and optimize machine learning models, collaborating with software engineers to deploy models into production
• Perform data analysis and modeling on healthcare datasets to extract actionable insights that enhance business value
• Conduct A/B testing, gather data, and perform statistical analysis to evaluate and improve AI system performance
• Establish automated, scalable processes for large-scale data analysis, model validation, and MLOps workflows
• Research innovative machine learning approaches to stay ahead of industry trends and incorporate best practices
• Mentor junior team members and assist in recruiting top AI/ML talent to strengthen the team
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including clinical, product, and engineering groups, to deliver impactful solutions

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance plans
• Retirement savings options including 401(k) contributions
• Equity stock purchase programs
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Flexible remote work arrangements with required in-office presence for certain locations
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning support
• Paid time off and holiday leave
• Work-life balance initiatives and wellness programs

Equal Opportunity
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are treated fairly regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We promote diversity and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.