Principal Architect - Hybrid in Minneapolis, MN or Remote

Position: Principal Architect - Hybrid in Minneapolis, MN or Remote - 2318554
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 talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities.

Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Principal Architect serves as an ambassador to business and technology stakeholders and will align and communicate solutions and strategies for one or more product domains for the United Healthcare Medicare and Retirement business segment.

The Principal Architect plays an important role by bringing together information in ways that provide new insights and perspectives on operational effectiveness as well as future business opportunities. These insights could come from partnering with senior business leaders to determine the feasibility of new ideas, assessing emerging trends in the industry, understanding market needs in RFPs (Request for Proposals), interactions with technology partners, opportunities for POCs (Proofs of Concepts), establish product, solution and technology roadmaps for the future, and many other avenues of exploration.

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

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Define and evangelize the LOB AI vision and roadmap aligned with business goals

• Develop and implement an AI/ML strategy and solutions aligned with business goals

• Lead the creation of business-aligned architecture roadmaps and solution strategies for differentiation, agility, and cost optimization

• Create and execute technology roadmaps for product capabilities, ensuring alignment with new initiatives

• Provide thought leadership and market expertise to guide strategic investments

• Drive thought leadership through research, innovation forums, and industry engagement

• Influence executive decision-making on AI adoption and governance

• Develop materials to promote architecture and technology strategies to executives

Architecture & Solution Design

• Deliver comprehensive solution architecture aligned with strategic goals

• Develop solutions balancing short-term needs with long-term vision

• Break down complex business strategies into actionable initiatives for efficient road mapping

• Architect and deliver scalable AI solutions that integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems

• Lead design and implementation of AI platforms, data pipelines, and model deployment strategies

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into AI-driven solutions

• Evaluate and select AI/ML tools, frameworks, and technologies

• Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and ethical AI guidelines

Governance & Standards

• Establish standards, frameworks, and best practices for AI integration across the enterprise

• Prepare materials demonstrating alignment with enterprise practices for Architectural Review Boards

Business Engagement & Planning

• Partner with business stakeholders for strategic planning, road‑mapping, and prioritization

• Conduct impact analysis, support cost‑benefit analysis, and financial planning for business initiatives

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide strategic and tactical direction to delivery teams

• Work effectively with architects, scrum teams, and business partners

• Communicate effectively with teammates, technology partners, and business leaders

• Resolve conflicting objectives and priorities positively

• Work across silos to resolve dependencies and accelerate decisions

• Lead change and innovation through disruptive technology

• Create and maintain architecture patterns and guidelines

• Coach and train junior architects in architecture frameworks and patterns

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your…