Director AI/ML Engineering

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. Primary Responsibilities:Define and lead the enterprise Data & AI Platform Strategy, ensuring scalable, secure, resilient, and cost-efficient platforms for Analytics, ML, GenAI, and Agentic AIBuild AI-ready data foundations using semantic layers, metadata management, data lineage, knowledge graphs, and governance frameworksLead data engineering teams responsible for ingestion, transformation, storage, pipelines, APIs, data products, and real-time data solutionsEstablish engineering standards, reusable frameworks, and drive modernization of legacy systems into cloud-native architecturesPartner with Data Science and AI teams to operationalize ML, GenAI, and Agentic AI solutionsEnable capabilities such as feature stores, vector databases, embeddings, RAG, model deployment, monitoring, observability, explainability, and Responsible AIDrive enterprise-wide data governance, including data quality, stewardship, cataloging, lineage, master data management, privacy, and complianceGovern both AI training datasets and AI-generated outputsPromote a Data-as-a-Product operating model with defined ownership, SLAs, and quality standardsPrioritize platform and data initiatives based on business value, AI readiness, and measurable outcomesEvaluate and implement emerging technologies including GenAI, Agentic AI, Data Fabric, Semantic Layers, Knowledge Graphs, and Intelligent AutomationLead proofs of concept and scale successful innovations across the enterprisePartner with business, product, analytics, and technology leaders to align platform investments with strategic objectivesPresent technology strategy and roadmap recommendations to executive leadershipManage budgets, vendors, cloud spend, operational performance, and platform reliabilityEstablish KPIs for performance, availability, productivity, automation, and cost optimizationBuild, mentor, and develop high-performing Data & AI engineering teamsFoster innovation, accountability, continuous learning, talent development, and career growthComply with all applicable Company policies, procedures, and business directives, changes including those relating to work location, team assignments, work schedules, and flexible work arrangementsRequired Qualifications:Extensive leadership experience in Data Engineering, Data Platforms, AI/ML Platforms, or Enterprise Data ArchitectureExperience implementing Data-as-a-Product frameworks and enterprise data strategiesExperience managing large-scale engineering organizations, budgets, vendors, and cloud cost optimization initiativesSolid expertise in cloud-based data ecosystems and modern data platform architecturesDeep knowledge of data engineering concepts including data pipelines, APIs, data products, streaming, and real-time processingHands-on understanding of AI/ML operationalization, including:MLOpsGenAIAgentic AIVector DatabasesRAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)EmbeddingsModel Deployment & MonitoringResponsible AISolid understanding of enterprise data governance, data quality, lineage, metadata management, cataloging, MDM, privacy, and regulatory complianceKnowledge of emerging technologies such as:GenAIAgentic AIData FabricKnowledge GraphsSemantic LayersIntelligent AutomationSolid stakeholder management and executive communication skillsProven ability to build and lead high-performing teams across data engineering, analytics, governance, and AI domainsDemonstrated success in driving platform modernization, digital transformation, and enterprise-scale technology adoptionSuccess MetricsData quality and reliabilityAI adoption and business impactPlatform availability and performanceData product adoptionEngineering productivity and automationCloud cost optimizationRegulatory complianceTeam engagement and retentionAt 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.