Lead AI/ML Engineer - 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.

Position Summary

The UHC Tech Operations and Excellence team is dedicated to modernizing healthcare delivery through high-performing microservices architectures, data interoperability, and intelligent enterprise automation. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable healthcare solutions integrating modern Java/Spring Boot microservices, healthcare interoperability standards (HL7 FHIR, Da Vinci Implementation Guides), event-driven architectures, and AI-powered capabilities. You will work on high-impact initiatives across prior authorization, claims, eligibility, and provider domains to drive operational excellence and improve healthcare outcomes.

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 emphasis on responsible use of AI
• Architect, build, and maintain enterprise RESTful APIs and microservices using Java 17/21 and Spring Boot
• Implement healthcare interoperability standards including HL7 FHIR and Da Vinci Implementation Guides (CRD, DTR, PAS) across prior authorization, claims, member, provider, and eligibility domains
• Leverage enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and drive continuous improvement
• Evaluate emerging trends to inform solution design and strategic innovation
• Build event-driven backend components using Apache Kafka and integrate with relational databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL) utilizing Spring Data JPA and Hibernate
• Lead CI/CD pipeline automation, containerization, and cloud deployment strategies using Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure)
• Establish end-to-end monitoring, logging, and performance observability across distributed systems using Splunk, ELK, Prometheus, and Grafana

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:

• 7+ years of software engineering experience designing and deploying microservices and RESTful APIs using Java 17/21 and Spring Boot
• 5+ years of experience with relational databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL) using Spring Data JPA or Hibernate
• 3+ years of experience implementing event-driven architectures using Apache Kafka
• 3+ years of experience deploying scalable applications in cloud environments (AWS or Azure) using Docker and Kubernetes
• 3+ years of experience setting up CI/CD automation pipelines (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or Azure DevOps) and version control using Git/GitHub
• 2+ years of experience building, integrating, or leveraging enterprise AI tools and solution components to optimize engineering workflows and business processes

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Health Informatics, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience)
• 3+ years of experience working with healthcare interoperability standards (HL7 FHIR) and Da Vinci Implementation Guides (CRD, DTR, or PAS)
• Domain experience in healthcare operations, including Prior Authorization, Claims Processing, Member Eligibility, and Provider Data
• Expertise in API security protocols including OAuth 20, JWT, and OAuth Client Credentials

*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 $145,500 - $249,500 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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