Principal Architect - Remote

Primary Responsibilities: Strategy and Business AlignmentDefine and evangelize the enterprise AI and GenAI vision, translating business strategy and outcomes into a coherent, prioritized technology roadmap Partner with business, product, and executive stakeholders to identify high-value AI opportunities and build the case for investment, including ROI and risk trade-offs Act as the primary bridge between business leadership and technical teams - able to speak fluently in both business value and technical feasibility Continuously scan the AI/GenAI landscape (models, platforms, frameworks, vendors) and translate emerging capabilities into practical business opportunityArchitectural Direction (not detailed design) Set enterprise-level direction and guardrails for AI architecture patterns (e.g., RAG, agent frameworks, model orchestration, foundation model selection) without owning detailed solution design Evaluate and recommend AI platforms, foundation models, and tooling based on enterprise fit, cost, scalability, and risk - partnering with solution/technical architects to execute Establish enterprise standards, reference patterns, and decision frameworks that solution architects and engineering teams use to design and build Provide "second opinion" architectural judgment on major AI initiatives - enough technical depth to ask the right questions and stress-test decisions, without being the implementerGovernance and Responsible AIDefine enterprise-level principles and guardrails for Responsible AI - privacy, fairness, explainability, model risk, auditability - and ensure they're embedded across initiatives Partner with legal, compliance, and security to ensure AI initiatives meet regulatory and governance standards at a portfolio level Establish a lightweight governance model (not heavy process) for how new AI use cases get vetted, approved, and scaledCommunication and InfluenceBuild and deliver executive-level presentations and narratives that make AI strategy and value tangible to non-technical stakeholders Serve as a trusted advisor and thought leader to business unit leaders on "what's possible, what's practical, and what's next" in AI Facilitate alignment across cross-functional and onshore/offshore teams, ensuring shared understanding of AI direction and priorities Represent AI strategy in forums, steering committees, and business reviewsAdoption and Change LeadershipDrive organizational AI adoption and literacy - helping business and technical teams understand how to work with AI-first tools and practices (e.g., Copilot-assisted development, agentic workflows) Identify modernization opportunities where GenAI can meaningfully improve automation, insight generation, or user experience Track and communicate the business impact of AI initiatives, refining the roadmap based on outcomes and adoption patternsCross-Org Alignment and ReuseStay closely connected to AI and technology initiatives across other domains and business units to identify reuse, avoid duplication, and align on shared direction before work kicks off Build a solid peer network across the enterprise to enable early collaboration, and represent domain AI strategy in cross-functional architecture forums Flag and help resolve misalignment or fragmentation risk across teams - championing reuse of existing patterns and platforms over redundant investmentRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience 8+ years of progressive experience in technology strategy, enterprise architecture, or technology consulting 3+ years of experience focused on AI/GenAI transformation Demonstrated experience translating business strategy into technology roadmaps and influencing executive-level decisions Experience embedding Responsible AI and governance practices (privacy, fairness, model risk, auditability) into enterprise initiatives Working knowledge of modern AI architecture concepts (LLMs, RAG, prompt orchestration, agent frameworks, model gateways) sufficient to evaluate options and guide direction - deep hands‑on implementation not required Broad familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure preferred) and enterprise architecture patterns (APIs, microservices, event‑driven systems) sufficient to set direction, not design Proven ability to build cross-organizational relationships and drive alignment across teams with no direct reporting relationship - able to influence without formal authority Proven exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a track record of presenting to and influencing senior/executive audiences Proven comfort operating in ambiguity - able to set direction before all details are known and adjust as the AI landscape evolves Preferred QualificationsMBA or advanced degree Experience as an enterprise architect, technology strategist, or trusted technical advisor 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 $134,600 - $230,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.