Sr AI/ML Engineer

Our Company

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, and data 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.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Sr AI/ML Engineer to join our team to design, build, and support high-performing full stack web applications, APIs, and data streaming systems while integrating cutting-edge AI technologies and maintaining site reliability. In this role, you will develop modern frontend applications and Java microservices, manage Kubernetes deployments and CI/CD automation, leverage AI-powered tools to accelerate development and quality, and maintain application observability to support enterprise systems.

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

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop responsive and intuitive frontend applications using modern JavaScript frameworks (React.js preferred) and TanStack Query
• Design and build REST and GraphQL APIs in Java, integrating with high-performance MySQL database schemas optimized for high-volume transactional workloads
• Design and implement Kafka producers and consumers, including schema design, partitioning strategies, and reliable message processing
• Deploy, configure, scale, and troubleshoot services on Kubernetes-based platforms
• Setup and manage deployment pipelines using GitHub Actions, including reusable workflows, environment secrets, automated deployment rules, and JFrog Artifactory integration
• Use enterprise-approved AI-powered development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) for code generation, refactoring, debugging, workflow automation, and documentation
• Monitor logs, track performance trends, and proactively troubleshoot production issues using observability tools including Splunk, Dynatrace, Zabbix, and Grafana
• Write JUnit tests with high code coverage, utilizing static and dynamic analysis tools (e.g., CodeQL, SonarQube) to identify and remediate security and quality issues
• Participate in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) activities, code reviews, architectural discussions, and agile ceremonies while maintaining detailed documentation for application features and security controls
•  Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges with emphasis on responsible use of AI

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience

• 4+ years of full-stack engineering experience with strong backend and frontend development expertise
• 3+ years of expertise in building AI/ML solutions leveraging LLMs, Generative AI and models
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with building, deploying, and maintaining cloud applications. (Eg, AWS, GCP, Azure)
• 3+ years of experience implementing event-driven streaming solutions with Apache Kafka, including schema design and partitioning strategies
• 3+ years of experience designing high-performance MySQL database schemas optimized for high-volume transactional workloads
• 3+ years of experience configuring, deploying, scaling, and troubleshooting microservices on Kubernetes-based container platforms
• 3+ years of experience with CI/CD tools, automated testing frameworks, and modern build pipelines 

Preferred Qualifications

•  3+ years of experience developing responsive frontend applications using JavaScript/TypeScript, React.js, and TanStack Query

• Experience building and deploying AI/ML solutions or integrating machine learning models into enterprise web applications
• Demonstrated familiarity with organizational release governance, PLM compliance, and automated security scanning workflows
• Hands-on experience leveraging AI-powered development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) to improve test coverage, code quality, and productivity
• 3+ years of experience using enterprise monitoring and observability platforms (Splunk, Dynatrace, Zabbix, Grafana) to track application health and resolve issues

*All Telecommuters 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 $120,100 to $214,500 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.  

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

#RPO, #GREEN