Lead AI/ML Engineer-Remote Nationwide or Hybrid in MN/DC

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.

Our Value Connect team is building an AI-first platform for value-based care that uses ML, LLMs, agents, and automation to improve provider performance, care outcomes, cost management, and operational efficiency. The team is developing capabilities such as Predictive Models, conversational AI assistants, Agentic workflows, MLOps, Registry automation, Ambient listening etc. The Lead AI/ML Engineer will provide hands-on technical leadership to build scalable, production-ready AI/ML solutions that convert complex healthcare data into actionable workflows for care, quality, finance, and provider enablement teams.

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

• Lead the design, architecture, and end-to-end implementation of AI/ML, GenAI, RAG-based, and agentic solutions
• Apply machine learning, deep learning, statistical, and Generative AI techniques to solve complex clinical, operational, and financial business problems
• Build, validate, optimize, and tune AI/ML models, including fine-tuning, quantization, performance tuning, and cost optimization
• Develop and maintain production-grade APIs, such as FastAPI or REST services, to expose A...