About the Company

Optum Tech is part of UnitedHealth Group, a healthcare organization focused on improving health outcomes and making the healthcare system work better for everyone. Its teams use technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity to address complex healthcare challenges and develop solutions that support better care and more efficient healthcare services.

About the Role

Optum Tech is seeking a Lead AI/ML Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and evolution of enterprise AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation platforms. This role combines hands-on software engineering with enterprise architecture, technical strategy, and engineering leadership. You will design scalable AI-powered applications, establish architectural standards, and guide the adoption of generative AI, agentic AI, MLOps, and cloud-native technologies. Working closely with engineering leaders, product teams, data scientists, business stakeholders, and enterprise architecture groups, you will help define long-term technology roadmaps and ensure solutions meet business, security, and performance requirements. The role also involves mentoring engineering teams, influencing technical decisions across multiple programs, and promoting responsible AI practices and high standards for software development.

Key Responsibilities

Define and execute architecture and engineering strategies for enterprise AI/ML, intelligent automation, and digital transformation initiatives. Lead hands-on solution architecture and development across products and enterprise platforms using Python, Java, and Spring Boot. Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions that address complex business challenges while emphasizing responsible AI use. Develop and promote generative AI and agentic AI architectures using frameworks such as LangGraph and Agno, or modern AI SDKs such as Vercel AI SDK. Architect responsive, high-performance web frontends using Next.js and integrate them with real-time AI endpoints and streaming APIs. Design event-driven data pipelines and streaming services using Apache Kafka. Establish architectural standards, governance frameworks, and database schema strategies using PostgreSQL. Drive the adoption of generative AI, agentic AI, MLOps, knowledge graphs, and cloud-native architectures. Use enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline development workflows, automate engineering tasks, and improve team productivity. Evaluate technology investments and emerging trends, and develop reference architectures that accelerate solution delivery. Ensure architectural solutions meet security, compliance, scalability, reliability, and performance requirements. Lead technical design discussions, guide architectural decisions, and establish engineering standards across teams. Mentor engineering leads and development teams while promoting code quality and consistent software engineering practices. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership to align technology decisions with organizational goals.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, or at least four years of equivalent software engineering experience in addition to the required experience. At least 10 years of progressive professional software engineering experience, including hands-on development of backend APIs and high-scale systems. At least 10 years of experience designing and developing backend applications using Java and Spring Boot or Spring WebFlux. At least five years of experience building event-driven streaming solutions with Apache Kafka. Experience deploying scalable applications in production cloud environments. Professional experience developing frontend web applications using Next.js, React, Angular, or NestJS. Experience designing, querying, and managing relational databases. Professional experience with Python and implementing AI/ML or agentic AI frameworks, such as LangGraph, Agno, or modern AI SDKs. Experience leading technical design sessions, establishing coding guidelines, and coordinating architectural planning across teams. Strong knowledge of enterprise integration patterns, data architecture, and security. Expertise in at least one cloud platform. Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams. Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with generative AI, large language models (LLMs), agentic frameworks, MLOps, and enterprise AI governance. Ability to comply with UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy when working remotely. Location and Work Arrangement This position offers remote work from anywhere in the United States. Employees hired in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C., areas must work in the office at least four days per week. Salary and Benefits The annual salary range is $145,500–$249,500 for full-time employment. Compensation depends on factors such as location, education, work experience, and certifications. Benefits and incentives include: Comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements. Incentive and recognition programs. Equity stock purchase opportunities. 401(k) contributions. Additional benefits and incentives based on applicable eligibility requirements. Equal Employment Opportunity UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants receive consideration without discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law. UnitedHealth Group is committed to improving health equity, addressing healthcare disparities, and supporting better health outcomes for all communities. Pre-Employment Requirements Candidates must pass a drug test before beginning employment.