Sr AI/ML Engineer

Optum; Minnetonka (MN); Remote; USD 120,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work from anywhere in the U.S.

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Optum is seeking a Sr AI/ML Engineer to design, build, and support full‑stack web apps, APIs, and data streaming systems while integrating cutting‑edge AI technologies. You will develop frontend applications and Java microservices, manage Kubernetes deployments and CI/CD automation, and leverage AI tools to accelerate development and quality.

You’ll work remotely from anywhere in the U.S., collaborating on REST/GraphQL APIs, Kafka messaging, MySQL schemas, and observability using Splunk,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• 4+ years of full‑stack engineering experience with strong backend and frontend development expertise
• 3+ years of expertise in building AI/ML solutions leveraging LLMs, Generative AI and models
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with building, deploying, and maintaining cloud applications (AWS, GCP, Azure)
• 3+ years of experience implementing event‑driven streaming solutions with Apache Kafka
• 3+ years of designing high‑performance MySQL schemas for high‑volume workloads
• 3+ years of microservices on Kubernetes‑based platforms
• 3+ years of CI/CD tools, automated testing frameworks, and modern build pipelines

Responsibilities

• Design and build REST and GraphQL APIs in Java, with high‑performance MySQL schemas
• Design and implement Kafka producers/consumers and partitioning strategies
• Deploy, configure, scale, and troubleshoot services on Kubernetes platforms
• Set up deployment pipelines with GitHub Actions and Artifactory integration
• Use AI‑powered tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) to accelerate development and quality
• Monitor logs and performance with Splunk, Dynatrace, Zabbix, Grafana
• Write unit tests with high coverage and use CodeQL/SonarQube for security/quality
• Participate in PLM activities, code reviews, and agile ceremonies
• Develop AI‑powered solutions addressing business challenges with responsible AI

Skills

Java

REST APIs

GraphQL

Kafka

Kubernetes

CI/CD

AI/ML

LLMs

Observability

Education

Bachelor's in CS/Software Eng

Tools

GitHub Actions

JFrog Artifactory

Splunk

Dynatrace

Zabbix

Grafana

MySQL

Job description

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

Our Company

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, and data they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, 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.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Sr AI/ML Engineer to join our team to design, build, and support high-performing full stack web applications, APIs, and data streaming systems while integrating cutting‑edge AI technologies and maintaining site reliability. In this role, you will develop modern frontend applications and Java microservices, manage Kubernetes deployments and CI/CD automation, leverage AI‑powered tools to accelerate development and quality, and maintain application observability to support enterprise systems.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and build REST and GraphQL APIs in Java, integrating with high‑performance MySQL database schemas optimized for high‑volume transactional workloads
• Design and implement Kafka producers and consumers, including schema design, partitioning strategies, and reliable message processing
• Deploy, configure, scale, and troubleshoot services on Kubernetes‑based platforms
• Setup and manage deployment pipelines using GitHub Actions, including reusable workflows, environment secrets, automated deployment rules, and JFrog Artifactory integration
• Use enterprise‑approved AI‑powered development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) for code generation, refactoring, debugging, workflow automation, and documentation
• Monitor logs, track performance trends, and proactively troubleshoot production issues using observability tools including Splunk, Dynatrace, Zabbix, and Grafana
• Write JUnit tests with high code coverage, utilizing static and dynamic analysis tools (e.g., CodeQL, SonarQube) to identify and remediate security and quality issues
• Participate in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) activities, code reviews, architectural discussions, and agile ceremonies while maintaining detailed documentation for application features and security controls
• Design, develop, and deploy AI‑powered solutions to address complex business challenges with emphasis on responsible use of AI

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• 4+ years of full‑stack engineering experience with strong backend and frontend development expertise
• 3+ years of expertise in building AI/ML solutions leveraging LLMs, Generative AI and models
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with building, deploying, and maintaining cloud applications. (Eg, AWS, GCP, Azure)
• 3+ years of experience implementing event‑driven streaming solutions with Apache Kafka, including schema design and partitioning strategies
• 3+ years of experience designing high‑performance MySQL database schemas optimized for high‑volume transactional workloads
• 3+ years of experience configuring, deploying, scaling, and troubleshooting microservices on Kubernetes‑based container platforms
• 3+ years of experience with CI/CD tools, automated testing frameworks, and modern build pipelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building and deploying AI/ML solutions or integrating machine learning models into enterprise web applications
• Demonstrated familiarity with organizational release governance, PLM compliance, and automated security scanning workflows
• Hands‑on experience leveraging AI‑powered development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) to improve test coverage, code quality, and productivity
• 3+ years of experience using enterprise monitoring and observability platforms (Splunk, Dynatrace, Zabbix, Grafana) to track application health and resolve issues

*All Telecommuters 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 $120,100 to $214,500 annually based on full‑time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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.

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, 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.

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, 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.