Lead AI/ML Engineer - Remote

UnitedHealth Group•Raleigh, NC

16h•Remote

About The Position

The Optum Technology Digital team is on a mission to disrupt the healthcare industry, transforming UHG into an industry-leading Consumer brand. We deliver hyper-personalized digital solutions that empower direct-to-consumer, digital-first experiences, educating, guiding, and empowering consumers to access the right care at the right time. Our mission is to revolutionize healthcare for patients and providers by delivering cutting-edge, personalized and conversational digital solutions. We’re Consumer Obsessed, ensuring they receive exceptional support throughout their healthcare journeys. As we drive this transformation, we're revolutionizing customer interactions with the healthcare system, leveraging AI, cloud computing, and other disruptive technologies to tackle complex challenges. Serving UnitedHealth Group's digital technology needs, the Consumer Engineering team impacts millions of lives through UnitedHealthcare & Optum. The Optum Technology Chief Digital Office (CDO) Leadership team is transforming Optum to be an industry-leading Consumer brand. We are on a journey towards delivering a best-in-the-industry consumer experience to our patients and providers by delivering personalized digital solutions that support our consumers throughout their healthcare journeys. This team is transforming to meet the moment – to begin radically altering the way our customers engage with the healthcare system using modern tech to solve some of the most complex problems experienced along the way. Serving all of UnitedHealth Group’s digital technology needs, the CDO team is responsible for driving outcomes across nearly 30 million+ human lives with UnitedHealthcare insurance, a number which puts UHC at the top of the pack as the largest managed care provider in the United States. 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. 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.

Requirements

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
Proficiency in Python or other programming languages for data analysis and AI/ML development
Proven expertise in AI/ML techniques including deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, recommender systems, reinforcement learning, and large language models

Nice To Haves

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 history of delivering high-impact AI/ML solutions for real-world problems and use cases
Proven background in healthcare (AI)
Proven portfolio of AI/ML publications, patents, or awards
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

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 strong 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