Principal AI/ML Engineer - Remote

Job ID: 92872127536Posted: 2026-08-01Location: Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United StatesSalary: $164,615 - $282,197/yearJob Area: TechnologyCompany: UnitedHealth GroupOptum 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 a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.Optum AI is UnitedHealth Group's enterprise AI team. We are AI/ML scientists and engineers with deep expertise in AI/ML engineering for health care. We develop AI/ML solutions for the highest impact opportunities across UnitedHealth Group businesses including UnitedHealthcare, Optum Financial, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. In addition to transforming the health care journey through responsible AI/ML innovation, our charter also includes developing and supporting an enterprise AI/ML development platform.Optum AI team members:Have impact at scale: We have the data and resources to make an impact at scale. When our solutions are deployed, they have the potential to make health care system work better for everyoneDo ground-breaking work: Many of our current projects involve cutting edge ML, NLP and LLM techniques. Generative AI methods for working with structured and unstructured health care data are continuously being developed and improved. We are working in one of the most important frontiers of AI/ML research and developmentPartner with world-class experts on innovative solutions: Our team members are developing novel AI/ML solutions to business challenges. In some cases, this includes the opportunity to file patents and publish papers about the methods we develop. We also collaborate with AI/ML researchers at some of the world's top universitiesYou'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:Lead data science work conceptualizing, designing, developing, and maintaining AI/ML models for disease progression/patient engagement programsMeet with business partners to understand requirements and design solution(s) which work best for the problemReview AI/ML model ideas, engineering designs and offer ideas for new approachesDevelop and evolve Data Science and Engineering roadmap for disease progression and patient engagement programsRaise the bar on excellence in execution in terms of quality, timeliness, and scalabilityCollaborate with counterparts in other Geographical locations to ensure smooth execution of critical projects across the boardRecommend applicable technical patterns and solutions that are aligned with architectural guiding principles and standards through a regular cadence of delivery and continuous improvement initiativesCollaborate closely with Product and Capability Architects on aligning inferred Solutions and Enterprise architecture to granular technical patterns and solutionsGovern technical debt and promote balanceYou'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:MS degree in Computer Science or related field7+ years of experience using computer languages (Python, SQL) to manipulate data and draw insights from large data sets, including cloud-based Databricks and Azure AI ServicesPreferred Qualifications:Ph.D. in Computer Science or related field10+ years of data science experienceKnowledge of advanced statistical techniques and concepts and experience with applicationsProven solid problem-solving skills with an emphasis on model development and engineeringProven outstanding communication skills both written and verbalKnowledge of a variety of machine learning techniques (clustering, decision trees, neural networks, graph ML, OCR, sentiment analysis, etc.) and their real-world advantages/drawbacks*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter PolicyPay 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 $164,615 to $282,197 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.#optumaiscienceUnitedHealth 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.