About the role

Senior AI/ML Engineer, Python, Agentic AI -2347802

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 looking for a Lead AI/ML Engineer to code and develop software that deploys ML models and algorithms into production. This role communicates and presents complex analytics results and concepts to leadership and internal stakeholders. The role employs AI and/or ML techniques that may include natural language processing (NLP), natural language understanding (NLU), semantic understanding, intent classification, computer vision, deep learning and automatic speech recognition (ASR).

The engineer applies deep learning technologies to enable computers to visualize, learn, and respond to complex situations, and may adapt machine learning to areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and interactive user experiences. The role works with large-scale computing frameworks and data analysis systems. The role is expected to apply knowledge of experimental methodologies, statistics, optimization, probability theory, and machine learning using code for tool building and statistical analysis, using both general purpose software and statistical languages.

Primary Responsibilities:

Develop and implement AI and machine learning strategies across several healthcare domains
Manage and lead the AI and engineering team, responsible for creating innovative solutions and delivering end-to-end machine learning projects with a high degree of value, ambiguity, scale, and complexity
Design, develop, implement and/or optimize AI/ML, Generative AI, and Agentic solutions using cloud services (preferably Azure)
Provide architectural guidance and define evaluation frameworks to ensure AI systems meet enterprise security, compliance and operational standards in complex healthcare data ecosystems
Possess deep expertise in modern software engineering practices including AI/ML/Generative AI, Agile methodologies, and DevSecOps to deliver daily product deployments using full automation from code check-in to production across the full SDLC lifecycle
Establish patterns, standards and reusable components for RAG, multi-agent systems, LLMOps and high performance inference
Serve as a role model by leveraging these techniques to optimize solutioning and product delivery
Demonstrate solid understanding of the full lifecycle product development, focusing on continuous improvement and learning
Implement and oversee DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions
Ensure data security and compliance with industry standards
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the engineering team
Ensure robustness, scalability and model performance aligned with business KPIs
Work cross functionally with product, engineering, consulting, cloud, SMEs and clinical teams
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

Builder Responsibilities:
Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions using no-code, low-code, and advanced platforms, translating business needs into scalable applications that enhance products, workflows, and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related discipline
8+ years of experience in Software Engineering, Data Science, or Analytics, with at least 8 years in AI/ML engineering or related fields and the last 2 years focused on Generative AI technologies including OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, LangChain, Agents, RAG, Vector Databases, Prompt Engineering, and fine-tuning
Experience with AI/ML frameworks and tools such as MLFlow, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, and Scikit-learn
Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure and GCP
Experience with DevOps and CI/CD tools and practices including Git, Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes
Demonstrated experience leading and managing AI/ML teams and projects from ideation to delivery and evaluation
Hands-on experience in AI and driving the development of innovative AI and machine learning solutions
Experience in integrating AI systems with enterprise or analytics data sources
Apply knowledge of data modelling, statistics, machine learning, programming, simulation, and advanced mathematics to recognize patterns, identify opportunities, and make valuable discoveries leading to actionable insights
Proficiency in software platforms such as SQL, R and similar tools to perform analysis and interpret data
Proficiency in Python or other programming languages for data analysis and AI/ML development
Proven expertise in AI/ML techniques including deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, recommender systems, agentic systems, reinforcement learning, and large language models
Proven excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex AI/ML concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
Proven analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance innovation and pragmatism
Proven passion for learning and staying updated with the latest AI/ML trends and research
Proven background in healthcare (AI) with a passion for building AI systems that drive real world impact in healthcare
Proven ability to work in fast-paced consulting and product delivery environments