About this role
Summary: Designs, builds, and deploys production-grade machine learning models and automated workflows for healthcare data and operations. Integrates AI services into enterprise software while applying responsible AI practices.
Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation. Our teams develop cutting-edge solutions that help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. From advanced data analytics and AI to cybersecurity, we use innovative approaches to solve some of health care’s most complex challenges. Your contributions here have the potential to change lives. Ready to build the next breakthrough? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Optum AI Science team are driving the next generation of healthcare software and analytics platforms by translating complex clinical, administrative, and financial challenges into intelligent, automated systems. As a Senior AI/ML Engineer, you will design, build, and deploy production-grade machine learning models and end-to-end automated workflows that operate at enterprise scale. In this role, you will leverage advanced agentic coding frameworks and tools such as Claude Code and Codex, orchestrate interactive data intelligence using Databricks Genie, and train custom models that deliver measurable impact across the healthcare ecosystem. You will work alongside cross-functional engineering and product teams to integrate responsible AI practices into core software architectures.
You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely \* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and deploy production-ready AI/ML models and automated engineering workflows to solve complex healthcare data and operational challenges
- Train, fine-tune, evaluate, and monitor machine learning and deep learning models across structured, unstructured, and multimodal healthcare datasets
- Build scalable end-to-end data pipelines and workflow orchestration solutions, integrating tools like Databricks Genie to provide conversational data analytics and automated insight generation
- Utilize enterprise-approved modern AI engineering and coding tools (including Claude Code and Codex) to accelerate development cycles, automate routine tasks, and optimize code quality
- Apply rigorous responsible AI principles, ensuring all AI-assisted outputs, data handling, and automated decisions adhere to strict governance, security, transparency, and accuracy standards
- Collaborate with software engineers, data architects, and clinical/business stakeholders to integrate AI services into enterprise microservices and distributed applications
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:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering or similar
- 4 years of professional software engineering and machine learning engineering experience, with a proven track record of deploying models into production environments
- Demonstrated experience training, fine-tuning, and evaluating machine learning or deep learning models (e.g., using PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, or Hugging Face)
- Proven experience building end-to-end AI/ML workflows and data pipelines using modern cloud/data platforms (such as Databricks, Apache Spark, or cloud orchestration frameworks)
- Hands-on experience working with AI-assisted software development tools and agentic coding workflows (such as Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, or equivalent developer automation utilities)
- Proficiency in Python and software engineering best practices, including version control, CI/CD, API design, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and automated testing
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience architecting and deploying Databricks Genie spaces, semantic data models, or conversational BI solutions
- Experience operating within regulated healthcare data domains (e.g., HIPAA compliance, clinical terminology, claims processing, or electronic health records)
- Experience establishing model governance, automated monitoring, and responsible AI guardrails in mission-critical applications
- Proven background in natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic workflow orchestration
\*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy
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 $120,100 - $214,500 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
*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.*
*#optumtechpj*