Lead AI ML Engineer

Requisition Number: 2353858
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.
Job Summary:
We are looking for a Lead AI/ML Engineer to code and develop software that deploys ML models and algorithms into production. This role communicates and presents complex analytics results and concepts to leadership and internal stakeholders. The role employs AI and/or ML techniques that may include natural language processing (NLP), natural language understanding (NLU), semantic understanding, intent classification, computer vision, deep learning, and automatic speech recognition (ASR).
The engineer applies deep learning technologies to enable computers to visualize, learn, and respond to complex situations, and may adapt machine learning to areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and interactive user experiences. The role works with large-scale computing frameworks and data analysis systems. The role is expected to apply knowledge of experimental methodologies, statistics, optimization, probability theory, and machine learning using code for tool building and statistical analysis, using both general purpose software and statistical languages.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement AI and machine learning strategies across several healthcare domains
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize AI and machine learning initiatives
• Develop and maintain solid relationships with stakeholders, customers, and partners internally and externally
• Represent Consumer Engineering work and teams across Optum global leadership
• Maintain accountability for the integrity of code design, implementation, quality, data, and ongoing maintenance and operations
• Stay hands-on, self-driven, and continuously learn new approaches, languages, and frameworks with significant focus on infusing AI/ML/Generative AI where applicable
• Create technical specifications and write high-quality, scalable, supportable code; review code of other engineers and mentor them to ensure all quality KPIs are met or exceeded
• Demonstrate collaborative skills to work effectively with diverse teams
• Possess deep expertise in modern software engineering practices including AI/ML/Generative AI, Agile methodologies, and DevSecOps to deliver daily product deployments using full automation from code check-in to production across the full SDLC lifecycle
• Serve as a role model by leveraging these techniques to optimize solutioning and product delivery
• Strive to be a role model, leveraging these techniques to optimize solutioning and product delivery
• Provide leadership and be accountable for the performance of managers and/or senior-level professional staff
• Drive impact at the operational, local business unit, or market level
• Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related discipline
• 14+ years of experience in Software Engineering, Data Science, or Analytics, with at least 8 years in AI/ML engineering or related fields and the last 3 years focused on Generative AI technologies including OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, LangChain, Agents, RAG, Vector Databases, Prompt Engineering, and fine-tuning
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks and tools such as MLFlow, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, and Scikit-learn
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP
• Experience with DevOps and CI/CD tools and practices including Git, Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing AI/ML teams and projects from ideation to delivery and evaluation
• Hands-on experience in AI and driving the development of innovative AI and machine learning solutions
• Proven expertise in AI/ML techniques including deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, recommender systems, reinforcement learning, and large language models
• Proficiency in Python or other programming languages for data analysis and AI/ML development
• Proven excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex AI/ML concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proven solid analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance innovation and pragmatism
• Proven passion for learning and staying updated with the latest AI/ML trends and research

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in AI / ML, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related discipline
• Experience working with cross-functional and distributed teams in a global and diverse environment
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, and developing AI/ML talent
• Experience in establishing and enforcing AI/ML best practices, standards, and ethics
• Experience in Realizing Value from AI/ML products as well as production ready product
• Proven background in healthcare (AI)
• Proven history of delivering high-impact AI/ML solutions for real-world problems and use cases
• Proven portfolio of AI/ML publications, patents, or awards

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.