Lead AI/ML Engineer - Office Based - Eden Prairie, MN

Optum; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 146,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Equity stock purchase

401k contribution

Incentive and recognition programs

Job summary

Optum Insight is advancing how health data flows to connect care providers, payers and consumers. We seek a senior ML/AI engineering leader to architect scalable models, deploy pipelines, and guide teams across training, deployment, and monitoring in cloud environments.

The role focuses on building robust, production-ready ML systems with governance and responsible AI practices, mentoring engineers, and collaborating with product leadership to translate business needs into scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• BS/BE/BTech/MCA (CSE/IT) or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• 4+ years building, deploying, and maintaining ML models in production.
• 3+ years leading engineering projects or providing technical guidance to software/ML teams.
• 3+ years designing MLOps architectures, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud infra (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• 3+ years building CI/CD automated pipelines and model monitoring systems.
• 2+ years hands-on Python and core ML libraries (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn).

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and deploy scalable ML/AI models and MLOps pipelines into production.
• Lead engineering teams in model training, deployment, inference, and monitoring architectures on modern cloud platforms.
• Evaluate emerging AI/ML techniques to drive tech stack improvements and innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into production-ready capabilities.
• Establish best practices for CI/CD, data pipelines, model governance, and responsible AI.

Skills

Software engineering

ML production

MLOps

CI/CD

Python

Cloud platforms

Team leadership

Education

BS/BEng/MCA (CSE/IT) or equivalent

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

Optum Insight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth. Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Primary Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and deploy scalable Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) models and MLOps pipelines into production environments
• Lead engineering teams in designing robust model training, deployment, inference, and monitoring architectures using modern cloud platforms
• Evaluate emerging AI/ML techniques, frameworks, and foundational model developments to drive strategic tech stack improvements and continuous innovation
• Collaborate with cross-functional software engineering, data science, and product leadership to translate business requirements into production-ready capabilities
• Establish best practices for code quality, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), data pipelines, model governance, and responsible AI practices
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to software and ML engineers across the team

Required Qualifications

• B.S./B.E./BTECH/ MCA(CSE/IT) or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience
• 4+ years dedicated to building, deploying, and maintaining ML models in production environments
• 3+ years of experience leading engineering projects or providing technical guidance to software/ML engineering teams
• 3+ years of experience designing MLOps architectures, containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• 3+ years of experience building CI/CD automated pipelines and model monitoring systems for production software
• 2+ years of hands‑on programming experience with Python and core ML libraries/frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related quantitative field
• Experience developing applications using Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), or agentic workflows
• Experience with high-throughput distributed computing platforms (e.g., Apache Spark, Ray) and vector database technologies
• Knowledge of responsible AI frameworks, bias mitigation techniques, and enterprise data privacy compliance

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $145,500 - $249,500 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.