AI/ML Engineer - Remote

About The Company

Optum Tech, a division of UnitedHealth Group, is a global leader in healthcare innovation dedicated to transforming the health system through advanced technology solutions. Our teams develop cutting-edge tools and platforms that empower individuals to lead healthier lives while improving healthcare delivery and operational efficiency. Leveraging expertise in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cybersecurity, and cloud computing, we tackle some of healthcare's most complex challenges with innovative approaches. Our commitment to excellence and continuous innovation positions us at the forefront of healthcare technology, making a meaningful impact on millions of lives worldwide. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions can truly change lives, foster growth, and drive industry-wide transformation.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Lead AI/ML Engineer to spearhead the design, development, and evolution of next-generation AI, Machine Learning, and Intelligent Automation platforms across our enterprise. This leadership role involves defining architecture strategy, establishing technology standards, and driving the adoption of scalable, secure, and resilient solutions that enable business transformation. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with engineering leaders, product teams, data scientists, and enterprise architecture groups to develop long-term technology roadmaps aligned with organizational goals. As a technical leader, you will provide guidance on solution architecture, mentor engineering teams, and champion best practices for cloud-native, data-driven, and AI-powered applications. This role requires deep expertise in enterprise architecture, distributed systems, cloud technologies, and AI/ML platforms, along with strong influence skills to engage senior leadership and drive strategic initiatives. Flexibility to work remotely within the U.S. is available, with specific in-office requirements for Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area hires.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or 4+ years of equivalent software engineering experience
• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, including backend API development and high-scale systems
• Extensive experience with Java and Spring Boot or Spring WebFlux for backend development
• At least 5 years of experience building event-driven streaming solutions using Apache Kafka
• Proven track record in deploying scalable applications in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.)
• Experience developing frontend web applications using frameworks such as Next.js, React, Angular, or NestJS
• Strong knowledge of relational databases, including designing, querying, and managing schemas
• Hands-on experience with Python and implementing AI/ML frameworks like LangGraph, Agno, or other modern AI SDKs
• Leadership experience in technical design, establishing coding standards, and architectural planning
• Deep understanding of enterprise integration patterns, data architecture, and security protocols
• Proficiency with cloud platforms and cloud-native architectures
• Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

• Define and execute architecture and engineering strategies for AI/ML, intelligent automation, and digital transformation initiatives
• Lead end-to-end solution architecture and hands-on development across multiple products and enterprise platforms
• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges, ensuring responsible AI use
• Build and promote adoption of advanced generative and agentic AI architectures using frameworks such as LangGraph, Agno, or modern SDKs
• Architect responsive, high-performance web frontends integrated with real-time AI endpoints and streaming APIs
• Establish and enforce architectural standards, governance frameworks, and database schema strategies
• Drive the adoption of emerging technologies including Generative AI, Agentic AI, MLOps, Knowledge Graphs, and cloud-native solutions
• Evaluate new technology investments, emerging trends, and create reference architectures to accelerate solution delivery
• Ensure all architectures meet security, compliance, scalability, reliability, and performance standards
• Mentor engineering leads and development teams to uphold high engineering standards and best practices
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align technical initiatives with organizational objectives

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Equity stock purchase options
• 401(k) retirement plan contributions
• Flexible remote work environment (within the U.S.)
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture