Senior AI ML Engineer - Data Analysis, Python, ML, Gen AI

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead AI/ML Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in statistical analysis, machine learning, AI, and data visualization, with a proven track record of leveraging data to drive business decisions. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop data-driven solutions that enhance our products and services.

Primary Responsibilities

• Data Analysis: Analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform strategic decisions
• Model Development: Design, implement, and validate predictive models using AI techniques
• AI: Leads end‑to‑end AI solution development—from problem framing and model selection through deployment and monitoring - while mentoring teams and ensuring alignment with enterprise standards for quality, security, and responsible AI.
• Collaboration: Work with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into data science projects
• Data Visualization: Create compelling visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior data scientists and analysts
• Research: Stay updated on the latest AI and data science trends and technologies, and apply them to improve existing processes
• 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

• AI: Proven experience building and operationalizing AI/ML solutions (including generative AI) at scale, with strong grounding in model evaluation, performance optimization, and production deployment
• Machine Learning: Solid understanding of machine learning algorithms and frameworks (e.g., pandas, NumPy, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn)
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with SQL and big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark)
• Communication: Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field; Master’s degree
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in data science or a related field, with a strong portfolio of projects

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.

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