Lead AI/ML Engineer - Java Background - Remote

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.

The Optum Health Clinical Platforms team is dedicated to modernizing healthcare delivery through high-performing microservices architectures, data interoperability, and intelligent enterprise automation. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable healthcare solutions integrating modern Java/Spring Boot microservices, healthcare interoperability standards (HL7 FHIR, Da Vinci Implementation Guides), event-driven architectures, and AI-powered capabilities. You will work on high-impact initiatives across clinical workflows, prior authorization, claims, eligibility, and provider domains to drive operational excellence and improve patient outcomes.

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business and clinical challenges with an emphasis on responsible use of AI

• Architect, build, and maintain enterprise RESTful APIs and microservices supporting Clinical Platforms using Java 17/21 and Spring Boot

• Implement healthcare interoperability standards including HL7 FHIR and Da Vinci Implementation Guides (CRD, DTR, PAS) across clinical, prior authorization, claims, member, provider, and eligibility domains

• Leverage enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and drive continuous improvement across engineering practices

• Evaluate emerging technology trends to inform solution design and strategic innovation within clinical systems

• Build event-driven backend components using Apache Kafka and integrate with relational databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL) utilizing Spring Data JPA and Hibernate

• Lead CI/CD pipeline automation, containerization, and cloud deployment strategies using Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure)

• Establish end-to-end monitoring, logging, and performance observability across distributed clinical systems using Splunk, ELK, Prometheus, and Grafana

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 software engineering experience designing and deploying microservices and RESTful APIs using Java 17/21 and Spring Boot

• 5+ years of experience with relational databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL) using Spring Data JPA or Hibernate

• 3+ years of experience implementing event-driven architectures using Apache Kafka

• 3+ years of experience deploying scalable applications in cloud environments (AWS or Azure) using Docker and Kubernetes

• 3+ years of experience setting up CI/CD automation pipelines (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or Azure DevOps) and version control using Git/GitHub

• 2+ years of experience building, integrating, or leveraging enterprise AI tools and solution components to optimize engineering workflows and business processes

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Health Informatics, or a related technical field (or 4+ years of equivalent software engineering experience)

• Experience working with healthcare interoperability standards (HL7 FHIR) and Da Vinci Implementation Guides (CRD, DTR, or PAS)

• Domain experience in clinical platforms or healthcare operations, including Clinical Workflows, Prior Authorization, Claims Processing, Member Eligibility, and Provider Data

• Expertise in API security protocols including OAuth 2.0, JWT, and OAuth Client Credentials

• 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 $145,500 - $249,500 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.

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