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 in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) is a hands-on engineering role focused on building and deploying AI-powered solutions within client environments. Working as part of client-facing delivery teams, this role partners with senior engineers and consulting leads to implement scalable, production-ready systems for healthcare payers and providers.
FDEs contribute directly to solution delivery - translating defined requirements into working systems, building integrations, and supporting deployments. While primarily focused on engineering execution, the role also operates in client settings, requiring strong collaboration and the ability to support technical discussions with both engineering and business stakeholders.
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:
- Solution Implementation & Delivery
- Build and deploy AI-powered solutions, including LLM-based workflows, copilots, and automation tools in client environments
- Implement integrations between AI models, APIs, and enterprise healthcare systems
- Translate defined solution designs into high-quality, production-ready code
- Contribute to end-to-end delivery by supporting development, testing, and deployment activities
- Hands-on Engineering
- Develop solution components using modern programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, SQL) and engineering frameworks
- Work with distributed systems and cloud platforms to support scalable, reliable deployments
- Assist with data preparation, prompt configuration, and model integration for AI-driven solutions
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development and deployment
- Client Delivery Support
- Work alongside senior engineers and consulting leads in client engagements across healthcare payer and provider organizations
- Support technical discussions and working sessions with client stakeholders
- Help execute on defined project plans, timelines, and deliverables
- Contribute to iterative development cycles, incorporating client and team feedback
- Collaboration & Translation
- Partner with cross-functional teams, including engineering, platform, and product teams, to deliver integrated solutions
- Translate technical requirements into actionable development tasks
- Communicate progress, risks, and technical considerations clearly within the team
- Support alignment between technical implementation and client expectations
- Documentation & Knowledge Transfer
- Document solution components, integration points, and deployment processes
- Support knowledge transfer to client technical teams to enable adoption and sustainability
- Contribute to reusable implementation patterns, assets, and playbooks
- Success Measures
- Delivers high-quality solution components that meet performance, reliability, and security expectations
- Contributes effectively to end-to-end client delivery efforts
- Demonstrates strong execution in translating requirements into working systems
- Communicates clearly within teams and supports client delivery activities
- Builds capability in both technical implementation and client engagement over time
- Demonstrates the ability to design and develop prototypes with a clear path to production, ensuring solutions are scalable, supportable, and can be transitioned effectively to production engineering teams
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:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field
- 5+ years of proficient experience in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, SQL)
- 4+ years of experience operating in a consulting or advisory capacity, including structuring ambiguous problems, developing solution recommendations, and delivering against client or business objectives
- Demonstrated experience working in client-facing engagements, including partnering directly with stakeholders to understand needs, communicate solutions, and support delivery in real-world environments
- Experience working with APIs, data pipelines, or distributed systems
- Demonstrated familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Experience with AI/ML concepts, including LLMs and prompt engineering
- Demonstrated advanced user capability on CodeX, Claude, etc. and other AI productivity tools
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in client-facing delivery environments
- Demonstrated ability to execute against defined requirements and evolving priorities
- Proven solid collaboration skills and ability to operate within structured project teams
- Proven clear communication skills for working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a technical discipline (AI/ML, Data Science, Software Engineering)
- Healthcare Domain Expertise; Understanding of healthcare payer and/or provider operations (e.g., claims, utilization management, care delivery, revenue cycle)
- Familiarity with healthcare data considerations (e.g., privacy, compliance) is a plus
- Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced environments with multiple priorities
- Proven solid execution focus with attention to detail and code quality
- Proven willingness to take ownership of assigned components and deliver reliably
- Proven continuous learning mindset, particularly in AI and emerging technologies
*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 $145,500 - $249,500 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 help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.