Principal Data Scientist

Requisition Number: 2378646
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.
Positions in this function produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from unstructured, diverse datasets typically measured in gigabytes or larger. Applies knowledge of statistics, machine learning, programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics to recognize patterns, identify opportunities, pose business questions, and make valuable discoveries leading to prototype development and product improvement. Uses a flexible, analytical approach to design, develop, and evaluate predictive and prescriptive models and advanced algorithms that lead to optimal value extraction from the data. Works with analytics and statistical software such as SQL, R, Python, Hadoop and others to perform analysis and interpret data. This function is not intended for employees performing the following work: less complex analysis on small data sets; rules-based algorithmic or
Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and deployment of advanced AI/ML, Generative AI, NLP, predictive analytics, and decision intelligence solutions
• Provide technical and strategic leadership across multiple AI programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives and enterprise priorities
• Partner with clients, business leaders, product teams, and technology stakeholders to define AI strategies, use cases, solution roadmaps, and value realization plans
• Drive solution architecture, model governance, Responsible AI practices, and scalability of AI platforms and products.
• Lead client workshops, executive presentations, and solution reviews, translating complex technical concepts into business value.
• Oversee end-to-end delivery of AI initiatives, including planning, risk management, quality reviews, stakeholder communications, and adoption strategy
• Guide teams in leveraging modern AI technologies including LLMs, RAG architectures, vector databases, knowledge graphs, and cloud-native ML platforms
• Mentor and develop Data Scientists, ML Engineers, and Analytics professionals, fostering innovation, experimentation, and technical excellence
• Establish reusable assets, accelerators, best practices, and standards that improve delivery efficiency and consistency
• Stay current with emerging AI trends and evaluate opportunities to drive innovation and competitive advantage
• Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regard to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline
• 9+ years of experience in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Advanced Analytics, including leadership responsibilities
• Proven experience leading large-scale AI/ML programs from strategy through production deployment and adoption
• Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or GCP and enterprise-scale AI deployment patterns
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and mentoring technical talent
• Expertise in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, Generative AI, LLMs, statistical modeling, and predictive analytics
• Solid programming skills in Python and SQL, with experience using TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, or related frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to manage senior client relationships and influence executive stakeholders
• Solid understanding of AI governance, Responsible AI, model validation, explainability, monitoring, and compliance practices
• Proven excellent communication, presentation, consulting, and stakeholder management skills

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.