VP AI/ML Engineering

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.

The VP, AI/ML Engineering is a strategic leadership role responsible for defining, building, and delivering an AI strategy and roadmap that aligns with enterprise business priorities. You will collaborate with senior technology and business leaders to influence an AI-driven agenda, including innovation and high-value use cases that deliver measurable impact. This role requires a visionary leader who can drive AI adoption, anticipate emerging trends, and guide responsible implementation at scale.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires within 30 minutes of an office in Minnesota or Washington, D.C., you'll be required to work a minimum of four days per week in-office.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and deliver a comprehensive AI strategy and roadmap aligned with enterprise goals, ensuring accountability for outcomes
• Executive Collaboration: Partner with senior leaders to shape and prioritize an AI agenda focused on innovation and business value
• Innovation & Value Realization: Identify and advance high-impact AI opportunities, from proof of concept through scaled deployment
• Governance & Responsible AI: Establish frameworks for responsible AI, risk management, and compliance to ensure ethical and secure adoption
• External Engagement: Maintain awareness of industry trends and emerging technologies to inform strategy and accelerate adoption
• Team Leadership: Lead and grow a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and delivery excellence

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:

• Proven experience in senior leadership roles driving enterprise AI strategy
• Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and align AI initiatives with business objectives
• Solid understanding of AI/ML trends, applications, and governance best practices along with solid technical background in AI
• Experience in complex environments (regulated preferred)
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences
• Track record of leading cross-functional teams and driving organizational change

*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 $200,400 to $343,500 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.