Principal Architect - Hybrid in Minneapolis, MN or Remote

UnitedHealth Group•Minneapolis, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. The Principal Architect serves as an ambassador to business and technology stakeholders and will align and communicate solutions and strategies for one or more product domains for the UnitedHealthcare Medicare and Retirement business segment. The Principal Architect plays an important role by bringing together information in ways that provide new insights and perspectives on operational effectiveness as well as future business opportunities. These insights could come from partnering with senior business leaders to determine the feasibility of new ideas, assessing emerging trends in the industry, understanding market needs in RFPs (Request for Proposals), interactions with technology partners, opportunities for POCs (Proofs of Concepts), establish product, solution and technology roadmaps for the future, and many other avenues of exploration. 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. 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.

Requirements

10+ years of professional experience in technology disciplines with primary focus on enterprise architecture, business and product strategy, and technology architecture, including AI-driven solutions
6+ years of full lifecycle software engineering experience using agile frameworks, with hands-on delivery of AI-enabled platforms and solutions
5+ years of architectural experience in healthcare, creating capability models, program-level architecture, and implementation of roadmaps including transition states
3+ years of proven expertise managing and leading cross-functional, matrixed teams, with ability to coach resources to elevate performance and drive results
Demonstrated success in driving AI and business technology strategies that lead to product differentiation and measurable business outcomes
Experience influencing senior and executive-level stakeholders to adopt AI and enterprise architecture strategies without direct authority
Ability to navigate complex organizations, connect technology decisions to business objectives, and champion enterprise-wide AI adoption
Solid capability to estimate financial impact of AI and technical architecture alternatives

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree in computer science, information systems or STEM related field
TOGAF certification or experience with PEAF, and/or other enterprise architecture frameworks
Experience with Agile Product development process; SAFE Agile certified
Architectural experience in healthcare, primarily in the Payer and Provider space, of creating capability, project and program level architecture solutions and implementation roadmaps including transition states
Experience in architecting solutions to migrate from on-prem to Microsoft Azure as well as Cloud native solutions
Experience in legacy modernization from Mainframe to modern technologies
Experience using HL7/FHIR, Healthcare EDI formats
Solid understanding of data architecture, data engineering, and data science concepts
Proficiency in AI/ML frameworks and tools
Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience tackling technical challenges in fast-paced environments
Up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI/ML technologies and methodologies, and able to apply this knowledge to drive innovation
Ability to work on multiple large-scale technology initiatives concurrently
Exceptional interpersonal skills in areas such as teamwork, facilitation, and negotiation
Excellent analytical and collaboration skills to create innovative market leading solutions
Excellent time management, communication, decision making and presentation skills
Global team experience
Working knowledge and experience in:
AI/ML technologies, Generative AI, Agentic AI, RAG, MLOps, data pipelines, and model deployment
Data management, streaming technologies, event-driven architecture
Modern architecture: APIs, microservices, SOA, cloud-native platforms
Advanced data technologies: NoSQL, Vector DBs, data governance, rules engines/BPMs

Responsibilities

Strategic Vision & Leadership
Define and evangelize the LOB AI vision and roadmap aligned with business goals
Develop and implement an AI/ML strategy and solutions aligned with business goals
Lead the creation of business-aligned architecture roadmaps and solution strategies for differentiation, agility, and cost optimization
Create and execute technology roadmaps for product capabilities, ensuring alignment with new initiatives
Provide thought leadership and market expertise to guide strategic investments
Drive thought leadership through research, innovation forums, and industry engagement
Influence executive decision-making on AI adoption and governance
Develop materials to promote architecture and technology strategies to executives
Architecture & Solution Design
Deliver comprehensive solution architecture aligned with strategic goals
Develop solutions balancing short-term needs with long-term vision
Break down complex business strategies into actionable initiatives for efficient road mapping
Architect and deliver scalable AI solutions that integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems
Lead design and implementation of AI platforms, data pipelines, and model deployment strategies
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into AI-driven solutions
Evaluate and select AI/ML tools, frameworks, and technologies
Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and ethical AI guidelines
Governance & Standards
Establish standards, frameworks, and best practices for AI integration across the enterprise
Prepare materials demonstrating alignment with enterprise practices for Architectural Review Boards
Business Engagement & Planning
Partner with business stakeholders for strategic planning, road-mapping, and prioritization
Conduct impact analysis, support cost-benefit analysis, and financial planning for business initiatives
Leadership & Collaboration
Provide strategic and tactical direction to delivery teams
Work effectively with architects, scrum teams, and business partners
Communicate effectively with teammates, technology partners, and business leaders
Resolve conflicting objectives and priorities positively
Work across silos to resolve dependencies and accelerate decisions
Lead change and innovation through disruptive technology
Create and maintain architecture patterns and guidelines
Coach and train junior architects in architecture frameworks and patterns