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Optum Data Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Optum Data Science information

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$24K

$112K

$205.5K

How much do optum data science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for optum data science in the United States is $111,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects do data scientists at Optum typically work on?

Data scientists at Optum commonly work on projects that involve analyzing large healthcare datasets to identify trends, improve patient outcomes, and optimize operational efficiency. This may include developing predictive models for disease risk, healthcare cost forecasting, or creating data-driven solutions to enhance clinical workflows. Team members frequently collaborate with clinicians, business analysts, and IT specialists, ensuring their work has a real-world impact on healthcare delivery. These projects often require innovative problem-solving and the ability to communicate insights to cross-functional teams, making the work both challenging and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optum Data Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optum Data Science professional, a strong background in statistics, machine learning, data analysis, and a degree in a quantitative field such as computer science or mathematics are essential. Experience with programming languages like Python or R, data visualization tools, and familiarity with big data platforms (e.g., Hadoop or Spark) are commonly required, along with relevant certifications. Analytical thinking, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders are critical soft skills. These skills enable data scientists at Optum to extract meaningful insights from complex healthcare datasets and drive impactful business decisions.

What is an Optum Data Science job?

An Optum Data Science job involves using data analytics, machine learning, and statistical methods to derive insights that improve healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency. Data scientists at Optum work with large datasets to identify trends, develop predictive models, and support decision-making for healthcare providers, payers, and patients. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation in areas such as patient care optimization, fraud detection, and cost reduction. Strong programming skills, domain knowledge in healthcare, and expertise in data modeling are typically required for this role.

What cities are hiring for Optum Data Science jobs? Cities with the most Optum Data Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Data Science jobs? The most popular types of Optum Data Science jobs are:
What states have the most Optum Data Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Optum Data Science jobs include:
Principal AI/ML Engineer - Remote

Principal AI/ML Engineer - Remote

UnitedHealth Group

Eden Prairie, MN • On-site, Remote

$16K/mo

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 875 rated healthcare providers


Job description

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.
Optum AI is UnitedHealth Group's enterprise AI team. We are AI/ML scientists and engineers with deep expertise in AI/ML engineering for health care. We develop AI/ML solutions for the highest impact opportunities across UnitedHealth Group businesses including UnitedHealthcare, Optum Financial, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. In addition to transforming the health care journey through responsible AI/ML innovation, our charter also includes developing and supporting an enterprise AI/ML development platform.
Optum AI team members:
  • Have impact at scale: We have the data and resources to make an impact at scale. When our solutions are deployed, they have the potential to make health care system work better for everyone
  • Do ground-breaking work: Many of our current projects involve cutting edge ML, NLP and LLM techniques. Generative AI methods for working with structured and unstructured health care data are continuously being developed and improved. We are working in one of the most important frontiers of AI/ML research and development
  • Partner with world-class experts on innovative solutions: Our team members are developing novel AI/ML solutions to business challenges. In some cases, this includes the opportunity to file patents and publish papers about the methods we develop. We also collaborate with AI/ML researchers at some of the world's top universities

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 data science work conceptualizing, designing, developing, and maintaining AI/ML models for disease progression/patient engagement programs
  • Meet with business partners to understand requirements and design solution(s) which work best for the problem
  • Review AI/ML model ideas, engineering designs and offer ideas for new approaches
  • Develop and evolve Data Science and Engineering roadmap for disease progression and patient engagement programs
  • Raise the bar on excellence in execution in terms of quality, timeliness, and scalability
  • Collaborate with counterparts in other Geographical locations to ensure smooth execution of critical projects across the board
  • Recommend applicable technical patterns and solutions that are aligned with architectural guiding principles and standards through a regular cadence of delivery and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Collaborate closely with Product and Capability Architects on aligning inferred Solutions and Enterprise architecture to granular technical patterns and solutions
  • Govern technical debt and promote balance

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:
  • MS degree in Computer Science or related field
  • 7+ years of experience using computer languages (Python, SQL) to manipulate data and draw insights from large data sets, including cloud-based Databricks and Azure AI Services

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science or related field
  • 10+ years of data science experience
  • Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and concepts and experience with applications
  • Proven solid problem-solving skills with an emphasis on model development and engineering
  • Proven outstanding communication skills both written and verbal
  • Knowledge of a variety of machine learning techniques (clustering, decision trees, neural networks, graph ML, OCR, sentiment analysis, etc.) and their real-world advantages/drawbacks

*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 $164,615 to $282,197 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.
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.
#optumaiscience
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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