Director AI/ML Engineering

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, 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 are looking for a Principal of AI/ML Engineering to work in collaboration with our team of talented engineers and scientists in developing cutting-edge AI/ML solutions for various healthcare domains and applications leading our India team. You will be responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and roadmap for our AI/ML initiatives, as well as overseeing the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML models and systems. You will also collaborate with other senior leaders, stakeholders, and customers to ensure alignment and integration of AI/ML capabilities across the organization.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead a talented and dedicated team of AI/ML scientists and engineers to deliver impactful programs for the Enterprise
• Develop and deploy innovative AI solutions to various business problems. You will have the opportunity to learn and apply some of the most cutting-edge AI technologies as well as interact with the business stakeholders
• Research and evaluate new data sources, AI technology trends and methodologies to enhance Organization level data science capabilities and solutions
• Bring the scientific rigor required to ensure quality and reliability of the AI models and optimize them for performance and robustness
• Deploy big data pipelines and frameworks for data ingestion, processing and analysis
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize AI and machine learning initiatives
• Manage the development and deployment of AI and machine learning solutions
• Stay up-to-date with the latest AI and machine learning technologies and trends
• Develop and maintain solid relationships with stakeholders, customers, and partners internally and externally
• Represent Optum AI work and teams across Optum global leadership
• Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or a related discipline 12+ years of experience in Software Engineering, AI/ML,, Data Science, or Analytics
• Proven track record of leading and delivering successful AI/ML projects, including experience with large language models (LLMs), diffusion models, or other relevant generative architectures
• Demonstrated understanding of the latest advancements and research in the field
• Proven solid programming skills in Python and experience with relevant deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch). Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and MLOps practices
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a high-performing team of scientists and engineers. Experience with Agile methodologies and project management best practices. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to translate business objectives into technical requirements and define a clear roadmap for Gen AI project development and deployment. Experience with product development lifecycle
• Demonstrated exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach. Ability to identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or a related discipline
• Experience in working with cross-functional and distributed teams in a global and diverse environment
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, and developing AI/ML talent
• Experience in establishing and enforcing AI/ML best practices, standards, and ethics
• A proven track record of delivering high-impact AI/ML solutions for real-world problems and use cases
• Background in Healthcare (AI)
• A portfolio of AI/ML publications, patents, or awards

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.