Lead AI/ML Engineer - Office Based - Eden Prairie, MN

Summary: Lead the design, development, and deployment of enterprise-grade machine learning models and AI solutions. Architect MLOps pipelines, mentor engineering teams, and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver scalable, responsible AI technologies in healthcare.

Optum Insight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth. Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

As a Lead AI/ML Engineer on the Optum Technology team, you will drive the design, development, and deployment of enterprise-grade machine learning models and artificial intelligence solutions. In this role, you will lead engineering initiatives, construct robust MLOps platforms, and leverage cutting-edge AI technologies to transform healthcare outcomes. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams of data scientists, software engineers, and product leaders to deliver scalable, reliable, and responsible AI solutions across the enterprise.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Architect, build, and deploy scalable Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) models and MLOps pipelines into production environments
• Lead engineering teams in designing robust model training, deployment, inference, and monitoring architectures using modern cloud platforms
• Evaluate emerging AI/ML techniques, frameworks, and foundational model developments to drive strategic tech stack improvements and continuous innovation
• Collaborate with cross-functional software engineering, data science, and product leadership to translate business requirements into production-ready capabilities
• Establish best practices for code quality, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), data pipelines, model governance, and responsible AI practices
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to software and ML engineers across the team

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S./B.E./BTECH/ MCA(CSE/IT) or equivalent experience
• 7 years of professional software engineering experience
• 4 years dedicated to building, deploying, and maintaining ML models in production environments
• 3 years of experience leading engineering projects or providing technical guidance to software/ML engineering teams
• 3 years of experience designing MLOps architectures, containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• 3 years of experience building CI/CD automated pipelines and model monitoring systems for production software
• 2 years of hands-on programming experience with Python and core ML libraries/frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related quantitative field
• Experience developing applications using Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), or agentic workflows
• Experience with high-throughput distributed computing platforms (e.g., Apache Spark, Ray) and vector database technologies
• Knowledge of responsible AI frameworks, bias mitigation techniques, and enterprise data privacy compliance

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $145,500 - $249,500 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

*At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.*

*UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.*

*UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.*