Principal AI/ML Applied Scientist - Remote

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 a Principal AI/ML Engineer within Optum Health & Financial Tech, you will play a key leadership role in advancing our next-generation digital health platforms and quality measurement solutions. Positioned at the intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare data standards (FHIR/CQL), and quality engine architectures, your work will drive intelligent data ingestion, automated measure validation, and advanced analytics solutions. You will partner across product, engineering, and business analytics teams to design, scale, and deploy responsible AI models and automation pipelines that deliver high-precision clinical data insights and optimize healthcare delivery across the enterprise.

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
• Evaluate emerging trends and technology solutions to inform architectural design, strategic innovation, and scalable platform development
• Leverage enterprise-approved AI tools and modern software engineering practices to streamline workflows, automate complex data validation tasks, and drive operational efficiency
• Lead the technical design and architectural evolution of digital health platforms, including Clinical Quality Language (CQL) execution engines and FHIR data ingestion pipelines
• Guide data mapping, schema validation, and data model strategy across claims, clinical, pharmacy, provider, and enrollment data streams
• Oversee end-to-end output reconciliation and data quality processes to ensure compliance with quality measure specifications and regulatory audit standards
• Provide technical leadership, work direction, prioritization, and technical coaching to cross-functional engineering and technical analysis team members
• Translate technical specifications, data model changes, and AI/ML model outcomes into clear technical documentation, executive summaries, and product strategy briefings

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:

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or technology platform development within complex enterprise environments
• 5+ years of experience working with healthcare data domains (such as claims, enrollment, provider, pharmacy, or clinical data)
• 3+ years of experience developing, scaling, or integrating machine learning models, AI solutions, or automated analytics execution engines
• 3+ years of technical leadership experience guiding engineering workflows, technical architecture, or delivery teams
• 3+ years of proficiency with SQL/PL-SQL and Python for data validation, automation, and backend system development

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience
• Hands-on experience with HL7 FHIR standards, HEDIS Core FHIR profiles, and Clinical Quality Language (CQL) engine implementations
• Experience applying responsible AI principles, model monitoring, and data governance standards within healthcare analytics solutions
• Deep subject matter expertise in NCQA HEDIS technical specifications, certification data management, and score-key comparison workflows
• Proven track record of bridging technical architecture with business leadership, sales support, and regulatory compliance requirements

*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 $164,600 - $282,200 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.

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