Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) - Remote | United States | Remote

Forward Deployed EngineerOptum 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.The Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) operates at the intersection of consulting, engineering, and client delivery-partnering directly with healthcare payers and providers to design, build, and scale AI-powered solutions that address complex business and operational challenges.This role is deeply embedded with clients, leading engagements from discovery through deployment. The FDE translates ambiguous business needs into production-grade systems, combining strong technical expertise with a consultative mindset. Success in this role requires the ability to influence stakeholders, shape solution strategy, and deliver high-impact outcomes in dynamic client environments.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:Client Engagement & Consulting Leadership Partner directly with healthcare clients to understand strategic priorities, operational challenges, and digital transformation goalsLead discovery sessions, workshops, and solution design engagements with both technical and business stakeholdersAct as a trusted advisor, guiding clients on how to apply AI/ML capabilities to real-world healthcare use cases (e.g., claims, revenue cycle, clinical workflows, member experience)Translate client needs into clear problem statements, solution architectures, and delivery roadmapsSolution Design & Architecture Design scalable, secure, and compliant AI-powered solutions aligned to healthcare industry requirementsArchitect end-to-end systems integrating LLMs, machine learning models, APIs, and enterprise platformsEvaluate trade-offs between approaches (e.g., build vs. orchestrate, model selection, latency vs. accuracy) and communicate recommendations clearly to stakeholdersEnsure solutions are designed for real-world deployment, maintainability, and integration with existing client ecosystemsHands-on Engineering & Delivery Build and deploy production-grade AI applications, including LLM-based workflows, copilots, and intelligent automation solutionsIntegrate AI agents and automation into client environments, optimizing for performance, scalability, and reliabilityRapidly prototype solutions to validate concepts, iterate with client feedback, and accelerate time-to-valueTroubleshoot complex technical challenges across distributed systems and cloud platformsTranslation & Cross-Functional Collaboration Bridge business, clinical, and technical perspectives-translating between stakeholders to ensure alignment and clarityCollaborate with product, platform, and engineering teams to bring reusable capabilities into client deploymentsCommunicate complex technical concepts in a way that is accessible and actionable for non-technical stakeholdersDelivery Excellence & Client Outcomes Own delivery outcomes from initial discovery through production deployment and scaleDrive measurable impact for clients (e.g., operational efficiency, cost savings, improved experience)Build strong, trusted relationships with client stakeholders to enable long-term partnershipsContribute to reusable assets, playbooks, and best practices to accelerate future client engagementsSuccess Measures Delivers end-to-end client solutions from discovery through production deploymentDemonstrates the ability to translate ambiguous client needs into scalable, high-impact solutionsBuilds trusted advisor relationships with client stakeholdersDrives measurable business outcomes for healthcare clientsContributes to repeatable consulting and engineering patterns that scale across engagementsDemonstrates the ability to design and develop prototypes with a clear path to production, ensuring solutions are scalable, supportable, and can be transitioned effectively to production engineering teams.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, Engineering, Data Science, or related field8+ years of hands-on software engineering experience in deploying distributed systems and cloud-native solutions7+ years of experience operating in a consulting or advisory capacity, including structuring ambiguous problems, developing solution recommendations, and delivering against client or business objectivesExperience working in client-facing engagements, including partnering directly with stakeholders to understand needs, communicate solutions, and support delivery in real-world environmentsExperience building and deploying AI/ML solutions, including familiarity with LLMs, prompt engineering, and model deployment patternsExperience structuring ambiguous problems and driving them to clear, actionable solutionsExperience working in cloud environments (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP)Proficiency in modern development frameworks, APIs, and data integration approachesAdvanced user capability on CodeX, Claude, etc. and other AI productivity toolsProven ability to lead client engagements, including discovery, solution design, and deliveryProven solid stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence both technical and executive audiencesProven excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to different audiencesPreferred Qualifications:Master's degree in a technical discipline (AI/ML, Data Science, Software Engineering)Healthcare Domain Expertise; understanding of healthcare payer and/or provider operations (e.g., claims, utilization management, care delivery, revenue cycle)Familiarity with healthcare data, regulatory requirements, and interoperability considerationsProven to be comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with evolving client needsProven solid collaboration mindset with the ability to work across distributed and cross-functional teamsProven entrepreneurial, solution-oriented approach with a bias toward action and outcomesPay 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). The salary for this role will range from $176,700 - $302,900 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 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.