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 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.
If you are located in Chicago, IL, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges
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
- 3+ years of proficient experience in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, SQL)
- 2+ 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
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform)
- Exposure to AI/ML concepts, including LLMs and prompt engineering
- Demonstrate advanced user capability on CodeX, Claude, etc. and other AI productivity tools
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in client-facing delivery environments
- Demonstrated solid collaboration skills and ability to operate within structured project teams
- Demonstrated clear communication skills for working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to execute against defined requirements and evolving priorities
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)
- Demonstrated solid execution focus with attention to detail and code quality
- Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced environments with multiple priorities
- Willingness to take ownership of assigned components and deliver reliably
- 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 $120,100 - $214,500 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.
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