Sr AI/ML Engineer Hybrid in MN/DC or Remote

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
At Optum, we are shaping the future of health care through technology that powers better outcomes for millions of people. As a Senior AI/ML engineer, you will provide team lead oversight for voice bots on omnichannel contact center platforms.
We're looking for a hands-on technical leader to design, build, and productionize AI/ML and GenAI solutions that improve healthcare operations and patient outcomes. You will own end-to-end delivery-from problem framing and data pipelines to models, and ongoing monitoring-while mentoring a small team and partnering with product, data engineering, and clinical/operations stakeholders.
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:

• Lead and contribute to the design and hands-on implementation of AI/ML systems that enables Optum to deliver self-service voice bot solutions
• Design, develop, and implement models using GenAI (LLMs, agentic frameworks) and/or traditional ML on the cloud
• Utilize version control tools such as GitHub for code management and collaboration, and manage multiple activities in a fast-paced environment while adhering to best practices in coding and documentation
• Partner with product managers, data scientists, prompt designers, engineers, and business stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable AI voice bot systems
• Leverage AI assisted tools for design, implementation, code reviews, and testing
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, maintainable, and efficient code and specifications. Lead by example to deliver product quality the first time
• Drive the full lifecycle of AI/ML initiatives-from problem definition and data exploration to agent development, deployment, and monitoring. Define project scope, success metrics, and timelines in collaboration with cross-functional teams and ensure timely delivery while not compromising on quality
• Stay ahead of the curve on emerging AI/ML technologies, tools, and research, and evaluate their applicability to business problems. Embrace and promote a culture of innovation through rapid iteration, experimentation and data driven decision-making
• Be a trusted technical advisor to management, internal stakeholders, and customers
• Mentor and lead other engineers to reach their potential
• Uphold ethical AI principles by embedding fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the model development lifecycle

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:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in Python programming
• 2+ years of experience with Deploying and manage ML models on cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• 1+ years DevOps experience
• 1+ years Terraform scripts understanding
• 1+ years Git action and CI/CD experience needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prompt engineering experience
• Experience leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Experience working with various AI/ML infrastructure, tools and platforms across the full stack of AI/ML technology
• Experience with the challenges of delivering and monitoring LLM based cloud systems into production
• Solid communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

*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 $91,700 to $163,700 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 make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is 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 is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.