Sr AI-ML Engineer

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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Optum AI is chartered to drive value on high impact enterprise AI problems, democratize AI through the enterprise ML platform, accelerate the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) and drive Responsible AI. Projecting to deliver $8.4B of benefit value over the next 5 years through these efforts as well as reduce risk through safe, accurate, and unbiased AI, this is a key focus of the enterprise.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement AI and machine learning strategies to drive healthcare solutions, build and test machine learning and deep learning models
• Implement and design novel machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI approaches inspired by relevant literature
• Build robust machine learning pipelines to support production processes
• Process and transform source data to be used in machine learning pipelines, leveraging cloud computing
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to determine applicability of AI to business problems
• Design, plan, and prioritize experiments
• Communicate findings with business stakeholders and collaborate to develop solutions that meet customer needs
• Develop code and model documentation and assist with model governance approvals
• Closely collaborate with the Responsible Use of AI (RUAI) team to ensure that the delivered solutions are compliant with the company policies and standards. Develop code and documentation to assist with model governance
• Clearly document and following best coding practices with Python packages, etc. along with the use of GitHub
• Create and present presentations in the form of presentations and written documents of analysis results to Optum AI and business leaders

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:

• PhD in computer science or a related quantitative field
• 5+ years of machine learning and data science experience
• 3+ years of experience with Python, classical ML methods and deep learning (i.e. PyTorch or Tensorflow)
• 2+ years of experience leading projects with solid technical communication skills, including demonstrated technical leadership
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with NLP approaches such as text embedding and text classification, using and evaluating LLMs/generative AI models, RAGs, etc.
• Experience with distributed training of GenAI models
• Demonstrated research publications in top-tier AI conferences (preferably healthcare-focused)

• Conducted independent research study leading to novel architecture/optimize technique, related to LLMs and SLMs

• All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

The salary range for this role is $89,800 to $176,700 annually based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

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.