Lead AI Engineer

The Lead AI Engineer role at Optum Tech is responsible for setting the AI-First engineering vision and roadmap for the PATH initiative. This position will guide AI-enabled software delivery practices, responsible generative and agentic AI adoption, and enterprise architecture for large-scale software engineering.

Location and Work Arrangement

• Charleston, WV (remote)
• Remote: work remotely from anywhere within the U.S.
• Onsite requirement: for all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, work in the office a minimum of four days per week

Telecommuter policy: All employees working remotely must follow UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

Salary

USD 112,700 - 193,200 per year (based on full-time employment).

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the AI-First engineering vision, architecture, and roadmap for the PATH platform
• Lead AI Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) adoption across requirements, design, coding, testing, deployment, operations, and support
• Establish measurable productivity, quality, and efficiency goals through AI-powered engineering practices
• Drive adoption of Generative AI, Agentic AI, copilots, intelligent automation, and knowledge-driven workflows
• Implement AI-assisted software development, including code reviews, test generation, documentation, incident analysis, and DevSecOps automation
• Build governance frameworks, responsible AI controls, model evaluation frameworks, security guardrails, and compliance standards
• Mentor teams on prompt engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agent frameworks, AI observability, and AI solution architecture
• Serve as a senior technical leader and escalation point for critical application, integration, data, batch, cloud architecture, and production issues
• Translate complex business and regulatory requirements into technical designs, implementation plans, and engineering deliverables
• Integrate enterprise AI tools, define AI goals within development plans, and champion responsible and ethical technology usage across engineering teams

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of enterprise software engineering experience
• 5+ years experience in Lead Engineer, Architect, or senior technical leadership roles
• 3+ years demonstrated experience leading AI transformation, AI-enabled SDLC initiatives, or enterprise AI adoption programs
• Hands-on experience with Generative AI, Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), RAG, vector databases, AI orchestration, and model evaluation
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS), DevSecOps, CI/CD automation, monitoring, and observability tools
• Experience working in government or regulated environments (e.g., Human Services, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Child Welfare, or Eligibility systems)
• Experience measuring AI-driven productivity gains, efficiency improvements, and key engineering KPIs

Technologies

• Generative AI, Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLMs)
• RAG, vector databases, AI orchestration, model evaluation
• AWS, DevSecOps, CI/CD automation
• Monitoring and observability tools
• Prompt engineering, copilots, intelligent automation, agent frameworks
• AI observability

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience building AI Centers of Excellence, AI governance programs, or enterprise AI platforms
• Proven ability to establish responsible AI controls, security guardrails, and compliance frameworks
• Solid track record influencing cross-functional technical delivery without relying on direct reporting authority

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Equity stock purchase
• 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements)

Application Details

• Posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected
• Posting may come down early due to volume of applicants

Drug-Free Workplace

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.