AI/ML Engineer

About The Company Optum, a part of UnitedHealth Group, is a global organization dedicated to delivering innovative healthcare solutions through the integration of care and technology. Our mission is to help millions of people live healthier lives by connecting them with the necessary care, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources. We foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous growth, offering comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Our commitment extends to making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve by advancing health optimization on a global scale.

Optum AI is the enterprise AI division within UnitedHealth Group, composed of leading AI/ML scientists and engineers focused on transforming healthcare through responsible and innovative AI solutions. Our team develops cutting-edge AI/ML models and tools to address high-impact opportunities across various business units including UnitedHealthcare, Optum Financial, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. We also support an enterprise-wide AI/ML development platform to foster scalable and sustainable AI innovations.

Members of the Optum AI team have the unique opportunity to influence healthcare at scale, working on groundbreaking projects involving advanced machine learning, natural language processing, and large language models. We collaborate with top-tier academic and industry partners, strive for excellence in execution, and contribute to the development of patents and publications. Our environment encourages innovative thinking, continuous learning, and impactful work that benefits millions worldwide.

Enjoy the flexibility of remote work from anywhere within the U.S., with specific in-office requirements for team members in Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. Our environment is designed to challenge and support your growth, offering a rewarding career path in the rapidly evolving field of AI in healthcare.

About The Role We are seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to lead the development and implementation of AI/ML models focused on disease progression and patient engagement programs. In this role, you will work closely with business partners to understand their needs and translate them into innovative data-driven solutions. Your expertise will be vital in designing, developing, and maintaining sophisticated AI/ML models that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.

You will review and refine AI/ML model ideas and engineering designs, ensuring they meet quality, scalability, and timeliness standards. Collaborating across geographical locations, you will help ensure the successful execution of critical projects and contribute to the evolution of our data science and engineering roadmap. Your role will also involve recommending technical patterns aligned with architectural standards, managing technical debt, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work on the forefront of AI/ML research, including generative AI applications in healthcare, and to partner with world-class experts in the field. Your contributions will directly impact healthcare delivery, making systems more efficient and personalized for patients worldwide.

Qualifications

• MS degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in data science, with proficiency in Python, SQL, and cloud-based platforms like Databricks and Azure AI Services
• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts, including model development, deployment, and maintenance
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on innovative model engineering
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline
• 10+ years of professional experience in data science or AI/ML engineering
• Deep knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and their real-world applications
• Experience with a variety of machine learning techniques such as clustering, decision trees, neural networks, graph ML, OCR, and sentiment analysis
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and academic researchers

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, development, and maintenance of AI/ML models targeting disease progression and patient engagement initiatives
• Engage with business stakeholders to gather requirements and translate them into technical solutions
• Review and evaluate AI/ML model ideas and engineering designs, providing innovative suggestions for improvement
• Develop and refine the data science and engineering roadmap aligned with organizational goals
• Ensure high standards of quality, scalability, and timely delivery of AI/ML solutions
• Collaborate with global teams to ensure seamless project execution across different regions
• Recommend and implement technical patterns and solutions in accordance with architectural standards
• Work closely with product and enterprise architects to align solutions with enterprise architecture principles
• Manage technical debt effectively and promote continuous process improvements

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
• Participation in equity stock purchase programs
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contributions
• Paid time off and holidays to support work-life balance
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities
• Flexible remote work arrangements within the U.S.
• Inclusive and collaborative company culture

Equal Opportunity

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunity for all employees.