Lead AI Engineer

Lead AI Engineer role with Optum Tech to shape an AI-first engineering direction for the PATH initiative and lead responsible, enterprise-scale AI delivery.ResponsibilitiesDefine and execute the AI-First engineering vision, architecture, and roadmap for the PATH platformOwn adoption of an AI Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) across requirements, design, coding, testing, deployment, operations, and supportSet measurable productivity, quality, and efficiency goals using AI-powered engineering practicesDrive adoption of Generative AIAgentic AI, copilots, intelligent automation, and knowledge-driven workflowsImplement AI-assisted development activities including code reviewstest generationdocumentationincident analysis, and DevSecOps automationEstablish AI governance frameworks including responsible AI controls, model evaluation frameworks, security guardrails, and compliance standardsMentor teams on prompt engineeringRetrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agent frameworks, AI observability, and AI solution architectureServe as a senior technical leader and escalation point for critical application, integration, data, batch, cloud architecture, and production issuesTranslate complex business and regulatory requirements into technical designs, implementation plans, and engineering deliverablesIntegrate enterprise AI tools, set AI goals in development plans, and promote responsible and ethical AI usage across engineering teamsRequirements10+ years of enterprise software engineering experience5+ years experience as a Lead Engineer, Architect, or in senior technical leadership roles3+ years demonstrated experience leading AI transformation, AI-enabled SDLC initiatives, or enterprise AI adoption programsHands-on experience with Generative AIAgentic AILarge Language Models (LLMs)RAGvector databasesAI orchestration, and model evaluationExperience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS)DevSecOpsCI/CD automation, monitoring, and observability toolsExperience working in government or regulated environments (e.g., Human Services, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Child Welfare, or Eligibility systems)Experience measuring AI-driven productivity gains, efficiency improvements, and key engineering KPIsPreferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical fieldExperience building AI Centers of Excellence, AI governance programs, or enterprise AI platformsProven ability to establish responsible AI controls, security guardrails, and compliance frameworksSolid track record of influencing cross-functional technical delivery without relying on direct reporting authorityTechnologiesGenerative AI, Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLMs)RAG, vector databases, AI orchestration, model evaluationAWS, DevSecOps, CI/CD automation, monitoring, observability toolsPrompt engineering, copilots, intelligent automation, agent frameworks, AI observabilityBenefitsComprehensive benefits packageIncentive and recognition programsEquity stock purchase401k contribution (all benefits subject to eligibility requirements)Work Location and FlexibilityRemote work from anywhere within the U.S.For hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area: required to work in the office a minimum of four days per weekRemote policy: All employees working remotely must adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.PaySalary range: $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment.Application DeadlinePosted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collectedMay come down early due to volume of applicantsAll employees (drug-free workplace): UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.J-18808-Ljbffr