AI/ML Engineer Remote Nationwide or Hybrid in MN/DC

Requisition number: 2357753

Job category: Technology

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.

As an AI/ML Engineer within the Consumer Engineering division of the Chief Digital Office (CDO), you will play a critical role in shaping the future of our digital health platforms. This role is designed for a high-performing engineer with strong software fundamentals and a deep passion for building production-ready, scalable AI services. You will focus on the practical application of Generative AI techniques, designing end-to-end solutions that integrate seamlessly into our enterprise ecosystem. By leveraging modern data platforms and cloud-native architectures, you will help bridge the gap between complex machine learning research and reliable, consumer-facing applications that improve the lives of those we serve.

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:

• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges with an emphasis on the responsible use of AI

• Build, deploy, and operate machine-learning models in production environments, ensuring high availability and performance

• Use enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and drive continuous improvement across the development lifecycle

• Develop backend services and APIs using Java (Spring Boot) to support scalable AI/ML-powered applications and integrations

• Design and implement data storage solutions, including relational databases (SQL) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, DynamoDB), ensuring efficient data access for AI use cases

• Collaborate with mobile and frontend teams to define API contracts and integration patterns that enable seamless delivery of AI-powered features into iOS and Android applications

• Implement event-driven and streaming patterns (e.g., Kafka) to support real-time data processing and AI model feedback loops

• Apply software engineering best practices, including unit testing, code quality, observability, and performance tuning across distributed systems

• Evaluate emerging trends in AI and machine learning to inform solution design and drive strategic innovation within the division

• Build and maintain scalable AI services, APIs, and pipelines, translating advanced models into reliable, enterprise-ready solutions

• Implement MLOps practices, including CI/CD, monitoring, versioning, and rollback, to maintain model integrity and lifecycle

• Ensure solutions meet security, privacy, and regulatory standards, upholding responsible-AI principles in a healthcare context

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 or equivalent experience

• 3+ years of experience in AI/ML or software engineering

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in backend development using Java (Spring Boot) and RESTful API design

• 3+ years of experience with databases, including SQL-based systems (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server) and exposure to NoSQL systems (MongoDB, DynamoDB)

• 2+ years of experience integrating applications via APIs, including supporting mobile or web client consumption

• 2+ years of proficiency in Python

• 2+ years of hands-on experience with ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn)

• 1+ years of experience productionizing models and working in cloud or distributed environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Generative AI (GenAI) techniques and large language models (LLMs)

• Experience with event streaming or messaging systems (e.g., Kafka)

• Proven track record of building and maintaining automated ML pipelines (MLOps)

• Demonstrated architectural awareness and the ability to influence technical direction

• Familiarity with healthcare-related data privacy and security regulations (HIPAA)

• Exposure to mobile app integration patterns (iOS/Android) and performance optimization for low-latency use cases

• Exposure to cloud-native backend services and API gateways

*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 $72,800 to $130,000 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.