Job Title:
Lead Machine Learning Engineer - Next Best Action System
Company: Humana
Location: Helena, MT
Created: 2026-03-10
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Join Our Caring Community and Make a Difference in Health We are seeking a talented Lead Machine Learning Engineer to revolutionize the architecture and management of cutting-edge machine learning systems. These advanced systems are designed to facilitate real-time personalized decision-making across digital and assisted platforms. By leveraging predictive modeling, optimization algorithms, and contextual data, you will help us determine the most effective next actions for individuals at scale, ensuring quick responses with the highest levels of reliability and interpretability. This role focuses primarily on production machine learning engineering. You will take charge of developing ML pipelines, online inference services, and decision-making scoring logic, using AI-assisted and proactive strategies to improve development speed, model performance, and operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities Design & Architecture of Machine Learning Systems Create and oversee comprehensive end-to-end machine learning systems, including: Feature engineering and reuse strategy Offline training pipelines Online inference and scoring services Model versioning, rollout, and rollback processes Ensure systems maintain high standards for latency, scalability, reliability, and accuracy in real-time applications. Distinguish clearly between model development, deployment, and downstream decision logic. Model Development for Enhanced Decision Making Create and operationalize various models such as: Propensity or likelihood predictions Uplift or incremental impact models Engagement or responsiveness metrics Design models that are composable, explainable, and robust for automated decision workflows. Collaborate with analytics and product teams to translate business objectives into quantifiable modeling outcomes. Enhancing Efficiency through AI-Driven Methods Implement AI-assisted strategies to improve ML engineering productivity, including: Automated code generation and refactoring for pipelines and services Feature exploration and validation Intelligent experiment tracking and comparison Enhanced debugging and root-cause analysis Adopt innovative tools to accelerate experimentation and ensure reliable model operations. Prioritize application of practical AI tools ready for production use. MLOps and Model Operations Establish and uphold robust MLOps practices, including: Continuous training and deployment pipelines Online model monitoring for latency, drift, and stability Safe rollout strategies (such as canary, shadow, phased releases) Fallback mechanisms for model degradation or unavailability Ensure model outputs are traceable, reproducible, and subject to audit. Collaboration and Leadership Serve as the technical lead for ML engineering, defining standards and best practices. Work closely with software engineers, data engineers, and platform teams to ensure seamless integration of ML systems into production. Mentor future machine learning engineers and help advance the technical expertise within our teams. Influence architectural decisions to promote testability, observability, and resilience. Role Impact As automated and intelligent decision-making grows, the integrity of our machine learning engineering becomes fundamental to building trust, enhancing performance, and improving user experiences. This role is essential for ensuring our machine learning systems are not only accurate but also dependable, understandable, and efficient to create and maintain. Utilize Your Expertise to Make an Impact Required Qualifications 8+ years of experience in machine learning engineering, applied ML, or data-driven platform development 3+ years in a senior ML engineering or technical lead role Deep expertise in: Feature engineering and data pipelines Model training and evaluation Real-time or near-real-time inference systems Strong programming skills in Python, Java, or similar languages Hands-on experience with AI-assisted development tools to streamline ML workflows Preferred Qualifications Experience with personalization, recommendation, or decision-making platforms Familiarity with distributed systems and event-driven architectures Experience deploying models in regulated or high-reliability environments Knowledge of model explainability and fairness methodologies Success Criteria Models consistently deliver reliable performance in real-time decision-making workflows ML systems scale effectively without excessive operational overhead Experimentation cycles are efficient, repeatable, and measurable Engineering teams trust model outputs and their transparency AI-assisted tools lead to measurable improvements in both development speed and model quality Additional Information SSN Alert Statement Humana values personal identity protection. Applicants may be asked to provide their Social Security Number if it is not already on file. If required, you will receive an email with instructions on how to securely add this information via Humana's official application process. Work from Home Internet Requirements To support hybrid home/office employees effectively, a self-provided internet service must meet the following criteria: a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps and upload speed of 10 Mbps; a wired cable or DSL connection is preferred. Satellite, cellular, and microwave connections may be allowed with prior approval. Employees based and working from home in California, Illinois, Montana, or South Dakota will receive a bi-weekly payment for their internet expenses. Humana will provide necessary telephone equipment for home or hybrid employees to meet business requirements. Work should occur in a dedicated space to minimize interruptions and protect member PHI/HIPAA information. Travel: Although this position primarily supports remote work, occasional travel to Humana's offices for training or meetings may be required. Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Compensation Details The salary range below reflects a good faith estimate for full-time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. This pay range may vary based on geographic location and individual qualifications including job-related skills, experience, and education. $129,300 - $177,800 per year This position is eligible for a bonus incentive plan, contingent upon company and/or individual performance. Benefits Overview Humana, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide competitive benefits aimed at supporting total well-being. Our associate benefits encourage personal wellness and informed health choices for you and your family, recognizing that life extends beyond work. Among our offerings, Humana provides medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and various additional opportunities. Application Deadline: 03-19-2026 About Us Humana Inc. is dedicated to prioritizing health for our teammates, customers, and the company. Through our insurance services and CenterWell healthcare services, we simplify the path for millions to achieve their best health—delivering care and service when it's needed most. These efforts contribute to a higher quality of life for individuals across Medicare, Medicaid, families, and communities. Equal Opportunity Employer Humana is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees and applicants without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Humana emphasizes affirmative action to employ and advance individuals with disabilities or protected veterans, basing all employment decisions solely on valid job requirements. This policy applies to all employment practices including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs, recalls, terminations, compensation rates, and training selections. Humana complies with all relevant federal civil rights laws, ensuring no discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. Additionally, we provide free language interpreter services.