Lead AI/ML Engineer - Remote

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

Job summary

Optum is seeking a Lead AI/ML Engineer to architect and drive enterprise AI initiatives from a remote-first setup within the United States. You will lead design patterns for LLMs, agentic workflows, and RAG-based solutions, while hands-on coding and mentoring teams to ensure scalable, secure, and compliant AI deployments.

The role requires 10+ years in software, with deep AI architecture experience, cloud and containerization expertise, and strong collaboration with product, engineering, and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software engineering experience with 3+ years in AI/ML solution architecture.
• 6+ years architecting enterprise AI applications including LLMs and RAG-based solutions.
• 6+ years hands-on coding in Python and experience with React, Next.js and PostgreSQL.
• 6+ years designing scalable, secure architectures for regulated environments.
• 6+ years AI observability and performance optimization experience.
• Proven knowledge of Azure/AWS, Docker/Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead AI application architecture for enterprise initiatives with scalability and governance.
• Design patterns for LLMs, agentic workflows, multi-agent systems, and RAG-based solutions.
• Provide thought leadership and hands-on coding for critical components.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and compliance to align with requirements.
• Drive performance, observability, and reliability of AI applications.
• Establish governance and reusable components; mentor senior engineers.
• Evaluate emerging AI tools and frameworks to future-proof solutions.

Skills

AI/ML architecture

Python

React

Next.js

PostgreSQL

Azure AWS

Docker Kubernetes

CI/CD pipelines

LLMs

agentic workflows

RAG-based solutions

AI observability

Cloud architecture

Tools

Arize

Phoenix

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Description - Lead AI/ML Engineer - Remote (2388231)

Improve the lives of others while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation. Our teams develop cutting‑edge solutions that help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. From advanced data analytics and AI to cybersecurity, we use innovative approaches to solve some of health care’s most complex challenges. Your contributions here have the potential to change lives. Ready to build the next breakthrough? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

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.

Primary Responsibilities

• Define and lead AI application architecture for ECS Big Bets and AI 10.0 initiatives, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance
• Design frameworks and patterns for LLMs, agentic workflows, multi‑agent systems, and RAG-based solutions
• Provide thought leadership on AI technologies and best practices across the enterprise
• Stay hands‑on for critical coding and integration tasks, ensuring technical depth and quality
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and compliance teams to align architecture with business and regulatory requirements
• Drive performance optimization, observability, and reliability for AI applications
• Establish governance standards, documentation, and reusable components for AI development
• Mentor senior engineers and guide teams on architectural decisions and advanced AI techniques
• Evaluate emerging AI tools and frameworks to future‑prove enterprise solutions

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.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 3+ years in AI/ML solution architecture
• 6+ years of experience with architecting enterprise‑scale AI applications, including LLMs, agentic workflows, multi‑agent systems, and RAG‑based solutions
• 6+ years of experience with hands‑on coding skills in Python, and experience with React, Next.js, and PostgreSQL
• 6+ years of experience defining scalable, secure, and compliant architectures for regulated environments
• 6+ years of experience with AI observability tools (Arize, Phoenix) and performance optimization strategies
• Proven knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure/AWS), containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines

Preferred Qualifications

• AI Dojo Certification or equivalent advanced AI training
• Experience in healthcare workflows and enterprise‑grade AI deployments
• Ability to lead technical teams, provide architectural guidance, and mentor senior engineers
• Solid understanding of compliance, governance, and ethical AI standards
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for cross‑functional leadership

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

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.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

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.

UnitedHealth Group is 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 is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

UnitedHealth Group is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation for any part of the application process, please call 1‑866‑566‑8715 to be connected to Recruitment Services. Recruitment Services hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

UnitedHealth Group is a registered service mark of UnitedHealth Group, Inc. The UnitedHealth Group name with the dimensional logo, as well as the dimensional logo alone, are both service marks for the UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.