Senior Manager AI Architecture - Hybrid for MN or DC, remote elsewhere

Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation. Our teams develop cutting-edge solutions that help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. From advanced data analytics and AI to cybersecurity, we use innovative approaches to solve some of health care's most complex challenges. Your contributions here have the potential to change lives. Ready to build the next breakthrough? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Transform Healthcare Through AI Innovation at Optum

Optum is a global organization delivering care, powered by data and technology, to help millions of people live healthier lives. At Optum.ai, we are not just witnessing the AI transformation in healthcare-we are leading it. Our mission is clear: to simplify healthcare with AI, turning insight into action at a scale few organizations in the world can match.

As part of the Optum.ai team, you'll work at the intersection of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and real-world healthcare impact. From reducing administrative burden for providers to anticipating patient needs and improving access to quality care, your work will help solve some of healthcare's most complex challenges-and directly improve health outcomes for millions of people.

You'll collaborate with world-class talent across data science, engineering, product, and healthcare domains, backed by the reach and stability of Optum and UnitedHealth Group. Here, responsible innovation matters. So do comprehensive benefits, meaningful career growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference-advancing health equity and creating a simpler, more connected healthcare experience for everyone.

This is more than a job. It's a chance to shape the future of healthcare through the transformative power of AI.

Optum AI is UnitedHealth Group's enterprise AI team. We are AI/ML scientists and engineers with deep expertise in AI/ML engineering for healthcare. 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 healthcare journey through responsible AI/ML innovation, our charter also includes developing and supporting an enterprise AI/ML development platform.

As a Senior Manager of AI Architecture, you will lead the design and delivery of enterprise AI solutions across multiple programs and client engagements. You will guide architecture decisions spanning data platforms, machine learning systems, generative AI applications, and cloud infrastructure while ensuring solutions meet regulatory, performance, and reliability requirements. This role requires deep technical expertise in AI architecture, solid leadership capabilities, and the ability to translate complex AI technologies into scalable business 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 end-to-end architecture for AI and machine learning solutions from business problem framing through design, development, deployment, and scale
• Design scalable AI and GenAI systems including machine learning pipelines, LLM integrations, RAG architectures, and model serving infrastructure
• Architect multi-cloud AI solutions across Azure, AWS, and GCP leveraging cloud-native AI, data, and MLOps services
• Define reusable architecture patterns, standards, and best practices for enterprise AI platforms and client solutions
• Implement governance frameworks for AI including model lifecycle management, monitoring, explainability, bias mitigation, and regulatory compliance
• Lead cross-functional technical teams providing architecture guidance across data engineering, ML engineering, and application development
• Serve as a senior technical advisor translating complex AI concepts into actionable guidance for business leaders and technical stakeholders
• Drive innovation and architectural thought leadership across AI/ML, GenAI, and emerging enterprise AI technologies

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:

• 10+ years of experience in technology architecture or engineering including designing large-scale AI/ML and data platform solutions
• 6+ years of experience designing cloud-native distributed systems on Azure, AWS, or GCP
• 5+ years of experience architecting machine learning platforms including model training, deployment, monitoring, and MLOps pipelines
• 5+ years of experience designing systems in regulated environments with solid understanding of security, compliance, and Responsible AI principles
• 3+ years of experience leading architecture initiatives or mentoring engineering teams and influencing technical decisions
• 3+ years of experience designing Generative AI or LLM-based architectures including RAG pipelines, vector databases, and model evaluation frameworks

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline
• Cloud or AI certifications (Azure, AWS, GCP)
• Experience working with healthcare or other regulated industry systems
• Experience implementing enterprise AI governance and Responsible AI frameworks
• Experience supporting AI solution design for client engagements or strategic initiatives

*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 to $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.