Emerging Technology & AI/ML Manager - Remote

Requisition Number: 2389331
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 Advisory is seeking an Emerging Technology & AI/ML Manager - Remote to lead client-facing AI transformation and delivery initiatives. This role combines AI/ML leadership, healthcare consulting, delivery management, and Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) to rapidly translate business problems into scalable, production-ready solutions.
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 delivery of AI/ML, Generative AI, Agentic AI, and emerging technology solutions from discovery through production
• Partner directly with clients to identify high-value opportunities and translate complex or ambiguous business problems into practical AI solutions
• Apply an FDE approach by working alongside client and engineering teams to rapidly prototype, test, iterate, integrate, and productionize solutions
• Provide technical direction across LLMs, RAG, Agentic AI, machine learning, APIs, data platforms, and AI-enabled application development
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of AI/ML engineers, data scientists, architects, data engineers, product professionals, and consultants
• Manage scope, timelines, resources, financials, risks, quality, and executive stakeholder expectations
• Embed Responsible AI, security, privacy, governance, reliability, and regulatory requirements into solution delivery
• Develop reusable accelerators, frameworks, and solution patterns that can scale across clients and engagements
• Stay current on emerging technologies and assess their practical application to healthcare payer and provider challenges

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:

• 7+ years of experience in AI/ML, data, software engineering, technology consulting, analytics, or digital transformation
• 3+ years leading AI/ML, Generative AI, advanced analytics, or emerging technology initiatives
• 3+ years of experience taking AI solutions from concept and prototype through production implementation and adoption
• Healthcare payer, provider, pharmacy, or healthcare technology experience
• Experience working in an FDE-style, client-facing environment and translating ambiguous requirements into working solutions
• Solid understanding of GenAI, LLMs, RAG, Agentic AI, machine learning, APIs, and modern cloud and data platforms
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex delivery commitments
• Proven solid consulting, problem-solving, executive communication, and stakeholder-management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on familiarity with Python, Azure, Databricks, AI/ML frameworks, APIs, and modern application architectures
• Experience with AI evaluation, MLOps/LLMOps, monitoring, Responsible AI, and AI governance
• Experience developing rapid prototypes, reusable AI accelerators, and enterprise solution patterns

*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 $112,700 - $193,200 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.
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.