CVS Health

Lead Director, AI/ML Engineering

CVS Health$144K — $288K *
Healthcare
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in technical roles within software engineering, data engineering, or analytics
  • 5+ years designing and building data and analytics solutions at scale
  • 5+ years deploying cloud-native applications on Azure, GCP, or AWS
  • 3+ years leading and growing engineering teams
  • Hands-on experience with MCP server development and Claude Skills Framework
  • Strong executive communication skills to influence senior stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Own a Data, AI/ML product portfolio for Growth and Pharmacy Store Operations
  • Define and drive the technical roadmap for innovation and operational stability
  • Lead the architecture of CVS Health's AI roadmap and automation processes
  • Spearhead the adoption and governance of the Claude Skills Framework
  • Design modular Claude Skill modules to automate business processes
  • Champion strategies for LLM context optimization
  • Ensure adherence to data governance policies and compliance across AI workflows

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement savings options
  • Wellness programs
  • Resources based on eligibility
Full Job Description
Position Summary

As Lead Director of Data Analytics and AI/ML Engineering at CVS Health, you will own a high-impact portfolio of Data, AI, and ML products driving CVS Retail Pharmacy Growth, Store Operations and Profitability Analytics and AI Engineering. This role sits at the intersection of technology and product delivery - leading architecture, driving execution, growing a high-performing team, and engaging senior stakeholders across Data Science, Business, and Technology organizations.

You will advance CVS Health's AI strategy from enterprise LLM adoption to purposeful, agentic automation - delivering scalable solutions that measurably improve operations and health outcomes across our lines of business. The ideal candidate is a seasoned AI leader with technical depth in Data, AI/ML, MCP (Model Context Protocol), Claude Skills Framework, and cloud-native development - with a proven track record of delivering analytically complex, large-scale products that create lasting value for our patients, customers, and colleagues.

Job Duties

Portfolio Ownership & Business Impact
  • Own a Data, AI/ML product portfolio spanning Growth and Pharmacy Store Operations - delivering insights that advance CVS Health's mission of helping people on their path to better health
  • Define and drive the technical roadmap, balancing bold innovation with agile delivery, operational stability, and reliability at enterprise scale

AI Strategy
  • Define and lead our AI roadmap, architecting the strategic shift from general-purpose LLM deployment to intelligent, agentic automation that drives measurable operational and health outcomes across lines of business
  • Lead the strategic shift from rule-based process to AI and agent-based orchestration, enabling intelligent, autonomous workflows across CVS Health's lines of business
  • Spearhead the adoption and scaling of the Claude Skills Framework - establishing governance, design standards, and reusable patterns that enable consistent, enterprise-wide AI skill development
  • Design and oversee modular Claude Skill modules (SKILL.md, YAML metadata, and execution scripts) to automate high-impact business processes including pharmacy reporting, code deployment workflows
  • Champion progressive disclosure strategies for LLM context optimization - mapping specialized Claude Skills to targeted triggers to maximize precision, minimize latency, and deliver scalable enterprise value
  • Evaluate emerging agentic AI technologies and frameworks, translating innovations into actionable roadmap investments aligned with CVS Health's strategic priorities

Technical Leadership
  • Architect and oversee the end to end development of Data and ML/AI products following CVS security principles.
  • Establish engineering standards and best practices across MCP integrations and Claude Skills Framework development - ensuring consistency, reusability, and alignment with CVS Health's security, data governance, and HIPAA compliance requirements
  • Lead hands-on architecture reviews, technical design forums, and solution trade-off discussions across Data Science, Engineering, and Technology teams
  • Lead end-to-end AI/ML pipeline integrity - from Claude Skills authoring and MCP server deployment through to production monitoring and continuous optimization
  • Ensure engineering standards are maintained across the portfolio - covering solution design, security, and Data/AI Ops practices

People & Delivery Leadership
  • Drive agile delivery within CVS Health's Squad model, managing dependencies across a matrixed environment and removing blockers to accelerate delivery
  • Coach and grow engineering leaders and senior individual contributors, building a strong internal talent pipeline that reflects CVS Health's commitment to colleague development and inclusion

Stakeholder Partnership
  • Serve as a trusted technology partner to senior stakeholders across Data Science, Business, and Enterprise Technology teams
  • Translate complex technical concepts - including agentic AI architectures, MCP integrations, Claude Skills Framework, and LLM optimization strategies - into clear, business-relevant narratives for Executive and non-technical audiences

Security, Compliance & Data Governance
  • Ensure all data interactions and AI-driven workflows operate in strict adherence to CVS Health's enterprise data governance policies, HIPAA requirements, authentication standards, and role-based access controls
  • Partner closely with Information Security and Compliance teams to embed governance into every layer of the AI/ML platform


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field
  • 10+ years of experience in technical roles within software engineering, data engineering, or analytics
  • 5+ years designing and building data and analytics solutions, including Data/ML pipelines, products, or decision systems at scale
  • 5+ years deploying cloud-native applications on Azure, GCP, or AWS, with working knowledge of modern Data & AI Ops patterns
  • 3+ years leading and growing engineering teams delivering complex, production-grade analytical systems
  • Demonstrated ability to engage in technical architecture and design conversations, including trade-off analysis and solution design
  • Hands-on experience with MCP server development, Claude Skills Framework, LLM integration, or agentic AI frameworks applied to enterprise workflows
  • Experience operating in agile delivery frameworks (Scrum, Squad model, or equivalent)
  • Experience in CI/CD and DataOps practices
  • Strong executive communication skills with demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders across technical and business teams


Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Analytics, Engineering, or related discipline. Master's degree preferred

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with open-source ML orchestration frameworks (e.g., Kubeflow, MLflow, Airflow) and model lifecycle management
  • Experience with Claude AI Skills engineering (SKILL.md, YAML metadata, execution scripts) or Agent Orchestration frameworks such as LangChain , LangGraph , or equivalent
  • Background in Retail or health care context
  • Exposure to prompt engineering, system instruction authoring, and natural language workflow tuning for enterprise AI platforms
  • Data platforms: Snowflake or BigQuery
  • Exposure to Databricks, Dataproc, or equivalent
  • Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a business, quantitative, or technical discipline


Pay Range

The typical pay range for this role is:

$144,200.00 - $288,400.00

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above. This position also includes an award target in the company's equity award program.

Great benefits for great people

We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.

This full-time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of colleagues and their families. The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.

Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: 08/31/2026

About CVS Health

Omnicare provides comprehensive pharmaceutical services to patients and providers across the United States. As the market-leader in professional pharmacy, related consulting and data management services for skilled nursing, assisted living and other chronic care settings, Omnicare leverages its unparalleled clinical insight into the geriatric market along with some of the industry's most innovative technological capabilities to the benefit of its long-term care customers. Omnicare also provides key commercialization services for the bio-pharmaceutical industry through its Specialty Care Group.

CVS Health Careers

Joining CVS Health presents a unique opportunity to advance your career in a company where innovation, leadership, and growth go hand in hand. As a leader in the healthcare industry, CVS Health is more than just a pharmacy. We are a team of professionals dedicated to improving lives and optimizing health outcomes.

Work You’ll Do

At CVS Health, you will be part of a culture that values diversity and inclusivity, fostering an environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Engage in meaningful work that directly impacts lives, driving innovation in healthcare services and solutions.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re looking for a position in pharmacy services, corporate leadership, or in-store management, CVS Health offers a variety of employment opportunities that will help you harness your skills and thrive professionally. Our job opportunities span across a wide range of professional fields and geographic locations, ensuring that your career at CVS Health aligns with your professional goals and lifestyle.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with CVS Health through our internship programs. These opportunities are designed for ambitious students eager to develop their skills in a real-world setting. Internships at CVS Health are not only about gaining work experience but also about making meaningful contributions to our ongoing projects.

Professional Growth and Development

CVS Health is committed to the professional growth of our employees. With access to cutting-edge technology, industry-leading experts, and comprehensive diversity training, our team members are equipped to lead and innovate. We support career advancement through professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities for networking and internal mobility.

Benefits and Culture

Our employees enjoy a range of benefits that reflect our commitment to their well-being and success. From health and wellness benefits to professional development programs, CVS Health is dedicated to ensuring our team members have the resources they need. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and continuous learning, making CVS Health a place where you can grow and succeed.

Join Our Team

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the open positions at CVS Health that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players.

Stay Connected

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Search CVS Health Jobs

Don’t just look for a job. Look for a place where you can be a part of something bigger. Visit our careers page to find the position that’s right for you and join a team that values innovation and leadership in healthcare.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Stay ahead in your career with insights from those who know CVS Health best – our team. Learn from their experiences and get insider tips that can help you succeed in your next interview, craft a standout resume, and build a career you’re proud of at CVS Health.
Learn more about CVS Health
Size
300,000 employees
Market Cap
$122 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7.1 billion
Founded
1963
5 Year Trend
+10.5%
Revenue
$268.7 billion
NASDAQ

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