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

Requisition Number: 2363042
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.
As a Senior AI/ML Engineer within the Optum Tech UHC Technology division supporting UHC Operations and Experience, you will play a critical role in transforming the healthcare landscape. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, build, and deploy production-ready AI and Machine Learning systems that enhance member experience and optimize operations. Leveraging advanced tools and frameworks such as Python, Databricks, LangChain, LangGraph, and Azure, you will build agentic solutions and intelligent automated workflows to solve some of healthcare's most complex problems. This is an exciting opportunity to apply generative AI and deep learning to deliver scalable, real-world impact.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. This position follows a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and deploy production-grade AI/ML models, agentic workflows, and pipelines using Python, Databricks, and Azure
• Build, test, and optimize state-of-the-art LLM applications and complex reasoning systems using orchestration frameworks like LangChain and LangGraph
• Use enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline development workflows, automate repetitive engineering tasks, and drive continuous improvement
• Collaborate with research, engineering, and product teams to translate business requirements and complex analytics into reusable, production-ready capabilities
• Evaluate emerging AI/ML trends, tools, and methodologies to inform strategic technical choices and platform innovation
• Design and implement scalable data engineering pipelines, feature engineering systems, and automated validation frameworks
• Uphold responsible AI principles by embedding fairness, security, 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:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (e.g., 4+ years of additional software development or AI/ML engineering experience)
• 4+ years of software engineering or data science experience, with a core focus on designing, developing, and deploying AI/ML systems in production environments
• 3+ years of professional experience programming with Python and its data science ecosystem (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn)
• 2+ years of experience utilizing cloud-based platforms and big data frameworks (such as Databricks and Microsoft Azure)
• 1+ years of experience building applications with Large Language Models (LLMs) and orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangChain or LangGraph)
• Demonstrated experience with database systems (SQL/NoSQL) and standard software engineering practices (version control, CI/CD, testing)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, or a related field
• Experience with advanced deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and NLP/NLU techniques (e.g., intent classification, semantic understanding)
• Experience in the healthcare industry, particularly working with claims, clinical data, or member services
• Experience implementing robust MLOps practices, model monitoring, and drift detection mechanisms
• Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and leadership

*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 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.
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