Machine Learning Researcher Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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.

As a Senior Manager, AI/ML Engineering within our UHC Operations and Experience division at Optum Technology, you will lead a highly skilled team of engineers driving next-generation machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities. Our team's mission is to (Input Required: Insert Team Mission/Vision). In this role, you will lead the architecture, design, and deployment of complex AI/ML software in production environments, using technologies such as natural language processing (NLP), natural language understanding (NLU), and deep learning. 

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. This position follows a hybrid schedule withfour in-office days per week.
 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of high-performing AI/ML Engineers focused on researching, developing, and deploying advanced machine learning models and algorithms in production environments
• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of complex AI-powered solutions addressing business challenges, ensuring collaboration across research, engineering, and product teams to translate cutting-edge AI advancements into scalable, reusable production-ready capabilities
• Evaluate emerging AI trends, scientific research, and advanced methodologies to inform team solution design, architectural direction, and strategic innovation
• Promote the leverage of enterprise-approved AI tools within the team to streamline engineering workflows, automate routine tasks, and drive continuous improvement
• Direct the development of scalable code and software systems that integrate advanced artificial intelligence capabilities (including NLP, NLU, deep learning, computer vision, and automatic speech recognition)
• Partner with leadership, product owners, and internal stakeholders to translate complex analytics results, business needs, and cutting-edge research findings into practical, production-ready AI solutions
• Ensure rigorous experimental methodologies, advanced statistical analysis, probability theory, and optimization techniques are applied systematically across all model developments
• Oversee ML operations (MLOps) workflows, ensuring seamless model monitoring, validation, version control, and continuous integration/deployment
• Uphold ethical AI principles by embedding fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the complete model research and development lifecycle

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 or equivalent experience
• 7 years of experience in software engineering, with at least 4 years of specialized experience in AI, machine learning, deep learning, or data science
• 5 years of experience coding in Python for tool-building, model training, and data analysis
• 4 years of experience implementing machine learning models in production environments using frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-Learn
• 3 years of experience working with large-scale data systems and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, Kafka, or Databricks)
• 3 years of experience building and deploying software solutions within cloud-based platforms, specifically Azure
• 3 years of experience applying experimental methodologies, statistics, optimization, and probability theory to solve complex technical problems
• 3 years of experience directly leading, mentoring, or managing technical teams of software or AI/ML engineers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative technical field
• Experience with NLP/NLU (natural language processing/understanding), semantic understanding, intent classification, computer vision, deep learning, and automatic speech recognition (ASR)
• Experience developing applications with LLM integration using advanced frameworks such as LangChain and LangGraph
• Experience in the healthcare, clinical data, or operations domains
• Solid knowledge of MLOps best practices, model tracking (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow), and cloud-based AI deployment (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Proven excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to explain complex statistical and analytical concepts to non-technical business partners and leadership
  

*All employees working remotely 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 $148,900 - $255,300 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.