Machine Learning Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Machine learning scientist roles consistently rank among the highest for H-1B visa sponsorship, with tech companies regularly filing petitions for ML engineers, research scientists, and AI specialists. The role's advanced degree requirements and specialized skillset align perfectly with specialty occupation criteria, making visa approval rates favorable for qualified candidates. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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INTRODUCTION
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.
Optum AI is UnitedHealth Group's enterprise AI team. We are AI/ML scientists and engineers with deep expertise in AI/ML engineering for health care. We develop AI/ML solutions for the highest impact opportunities across UnitedHealth Group businesses including UnitedHealthcare, Optum Financial, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. In addition to transforming the health care journey through responsible AI/ML innovation, our charter also includes developing and supporting an enterprise AI/ML development platform.
Optum AI team members:
- Have impact at scale: We have the data and resources to make an impact at scale. When our solutions are deployed, they have the potential to make health care system work better for everyone
- Do ground-breaking work: Many of our current projects involve cutting edge ML, NLP and LLM techniques. Generative AI methods for working with structured and unstructured health care data are continuously being developed and improved. We are working in one of the most important frontiers of AI/ML research and development
- Partner with world-class experts on innovative solutions: Our team members are developing novel AI/ML solutions to business challenges. In some cases, this includes the opportunity to file patents and publish papers about the methods we develop. We also collaborate with AI/ML researchers at some of the world's top universities
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:
- Develop novel AI approaches for healthcare using both structured and unstructured data
- Build and test deep learning and traditional ML models in distributed computing environments
- Design and plan experiments, conduct statistical analysis and create data visualizations
- Communicate findings with business stakeholders and collaborate to develop solutions that meet customer needs
- Collaborate with the Responsible Use of AI (RUAI) team to ensure that the delivered solutions are compliant with company policies and standards
- Develop code and model documentation, patents and publications in scientific conferences and journals
- Collaborate with engineering teams to develop robust data pipelines of MLOps procedures for new solutions
- Stay up to date with latest technologies and literature
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:
- PhD in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field
- 5+ years of AI/ML experience (LLM, NLP)
- 5+ years of experience with Python, classical ML methods and deep learning, including deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or Tensorflow
- Proven publication track record in top ML/NLP conferences/journals
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with LLM frameworks and/or NLP approaches such as text embedding and text classification
- Experience with distributed computing approaches such as Spark
- Experience with Snowflake and other relational databases
- Experience working on collaborative software projects using GitHub
- Proven solid technical communication skills
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 to $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 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.

INTRODUCTION
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.
Optum AI is UnitedHealth Group's enterprise AI team. We are AI/ML scientists and engineers with deep expertise in AI/ML engineering for health care. We develop AI/ML solutions for the highest impact opportunities across UnitedHealth Group businesses including UnitedHealthcare, Optum Financial, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. In addition to transforming the health care journey through responsible AI/ML innovation, our charter also includes developing and supporting an enterprise AI/ML development platform.
Optum AI team members:
- Have impact at scale: We have the data and resources to make an impact at scale. When our solutions are deployed, they have the potential to make health care system work better for everyone
- Do ground-breaking work: Many of our current projects involve cutting edge ML, NLP and LLM techniques. Generative AI methods for working with structured and unstructured health care data are continuously being developed and improved. We are working in one of the most important frontiers of AI/ML research and development
- Partner with world-class experts on innovative solutions: Our team members are developing novel AI/ML solutions to business challenges. In some cases, this includes the opportunity to file patents and publish papers about the methods we develop. We also collaborate with AI/ML researchers at some of the world's top universities
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:
- Develop novel AI approaches for healthcare using both structured and unstructured data
- Build and test deep learning and traditional ML models in distributed computing environments
- Design and plan experiments, conduct statistical analysis and create data visualizations
- Communicate findings with business stakeholders and collaborate to develop solutions that meet customer needs
- Collaborate with the Responsible Use of AI (RUAI) team to ensure that the delivered solutions are compliant with company policies and standards
- Develop code and model documentation, patents and publications in scientific conferences and journals
- Collaborate with engineering teams to develop robust data pipelines of MLOps procedures for new solutions
- Stay up to date with latest technologies and literature
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:
- PhD in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field
- 5+ years of AI/ML experience (LLM, NLP)
- 5+ years of experience with Python, classical ML methods and deep learning, including deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or Tensorflow
- Proven publication track record in top ML/NLP conferences/journals
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with LLM frameworks and/or NLP approaches such as text embedding and text classification
- Experience with distributed computing approaches such as Spark
- Experience with Snowflake and other relational databases
- Experience working on collaborative software projects using GitHub
- Proven solid technical communication skills
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 to $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 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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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Machine Learning Scientist
Target companies with active ML research divisions
Focus on employers like Google DeepMind, Microsoft Research, OpenAI, and Meta AI. These companies regularly sponsor visas for ML scientists and understand the specialized nature of the role.
Emphasize your advanced degree in a relevant field
Machine learning scientist positions typically require at least a master's degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or related field. PhD holders have stronger visa petition cases.
Highlight specialized ML frameworks and research experience
Document expertise in TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and published research. USCIS recognizes ML as a specialty occupation requiring specific technical knowledge and advanced training.
Consider both tech companies and research institutions
Universities, national labs, and research institutes also sponsor H-1B visas for ML scientists. These employers often have cap-exempt status, avoiding the annual lottery entirely.
Build a portfolio demonstrating real-world ML applications
Showcase projects involving deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, or reinforcement learning. Concrete examples strengthen your specialty occupation case during the petition process.
Network through ML conferences and academic publications
Connect with potential sponsors at NeurIPS, ICML, or ICLR conferences. Co-authored papers with U.S. researchers can open doors to academic or industry positions.
Machine Learning Scientist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Machine Learning Scientist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do machine learning scientists qualify for H-1B specialty occupation requirements?
Yes, machine learning scientist roles consistently meet H-1B specialty occupation criteria. The position requires advanced knowledge in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and specialized ML frameworks. Most employers require at least a master's degree in a relevant field, and the role involves complex algorithm development that clearly demonstrates specialized expertise.
What degree fields qualify for machine learning scientist visa petitions?
Computer science, mathematics, statistics, electrical engineering, physics, and data science degrees typically qualify. The key is demonstrating how your coursework relates to machine learning fundamentals like linear algebra, probability theory, algorithms, and programming. A PhD in any of these fields significantly strengthens your petition case.
Are machine learning scientists eligible for cap-exempt H-1B positions?
Yes, if working for universities, affiliated research institutions, or nonprofit research organizations. Many academic ML positions are cap-exempt, meaning no lottery participation required. Private companies are generally cap-subject, but some have university affiliations that may qualify for exemptions.
How do ML scientists demonstrate extraordinary ability for O-1 visas?
O-1 criteria include published research papers, conference presentations, peer review activities, high-impact citations, and recognition awards. Leading ML research projects, developing novel algorithms, or contributing to widely-used frameworks can also demonstrate extraordinary ability in the field.
Can machine learning scientists transition from F-1 student status to work visas?
Yes, through OPT and STEM OPT extensions totaling up to 36 months. This provides time to find sponsoring employers and participate in H-1B lotteries. Many ML PhD students also transition directly to cap-exempt academic positions or receive National Interest Waiver green cards based on their research contributions.
How to find Machine Learning Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Machine Learning Scientist positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international talent with sponsoring employers. Focus on tech companies, research institutions, and AI startups that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, or EB-2 visas for ML roles. These employers actively seek candidates with expertise in deep learning, neural networks, and data science to drive their AI initiatives.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Machine Learning Scientist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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