Principal Data Scientist (Card Decision Science)

Posted 2 Days Ago
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Vienna, VA, USA
Hybrid
Senior level
Financial Services
The Role
Lead credit card risk strategy and model design, develop predictive models, and provide analytical insights. Mentor staff and collaborate with management on complex data science projects.
Summary Generated by Built In

Provide independent data science, machine learning, and analytical insights using member, financial, and organizational data to support mission critical decision making for various areas of the organization. Understand business needs and identify opportunities for new products, services, and process optimization to meet business objectives through the use of cutting-edge data science. Create descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models and insights to drive impact across the organization. Regarded as an advanced professional in the data science field. Conduct complex work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.  Mentor lower level staff.


This position is eligible for the TalentQuest employee referral program. If an employee referred you for this job, please apply using the system-generated link that was sent to you.

Responsibilities
  • Lead credit card risk strategy and model design, with a focus on line management, behavior modeling, and portfolio profitability
  • Develop data-driven risk and member treatment strategies using internal and external data
  • Monitor strategy performance and portfolio trends, and translate insights into strategy refinements
  • Design, develop, and evaluate large and complex predictive models and advanced algorithms 
  • Test hypotheses/models, analyze, and interpret results
  • Develop actionable insights and recommendations
  • Develop and code complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes
  • Use evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select right course of action
  • Work on problems of diverse scopes where analysis of information requires evaluation of identifiable factors
  • Produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from complex and high-dimensional datasets
  • Transform data into charts, tables, or format that aids effective decision making
  • Utilize effective written and verbal communication to document analyses and present findings and analyses to a diverse audience of stakeholders 
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with team members, subject matter experts, and leaders
  • Lead moderate to large projects and initiatives
  • Model best practices and ethical AI
  • Works with senior management on complex issues
  • Assist with the development and enhancement practices, procedures, and instructions
  • Serve as technical resource for other team members
  • Mentor lower levels
Qualifications
  • 6+ years of direct experience  in the credit card risk strategy or analytics
  • Hands-on experience across the credit strategy analytics lifecycle, including strategy and model development, validation, implementation, and post-implementation monitoring
  • Strong risk analytics skills and understanding of P&L and key risk drivers
  • Proven ability to leverage internal member, bureau, and third-party data to generate actionable insights and solve business problems
  • Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, experimental design, and machine learning techniques
  • Complete knowledge and full understanding of specialization
  • Statistics, machine learning, data mining, data auditing, aggregation, reconciliation, and visualization
  • Programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics 
  • SQL, R, Python, Hadoop, SAS, SPSS, Scala, AWS
  • Model lifecycle execution
  • Technical writing
  • Data storytelling and technical presentation skills
  • Research Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Advanced knowledge of procedures, instructions and validation techniques
  • Model Development
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Collaborate and Build Relationships
  • Initiative with sound judgement
  • Technical (Big Data Analysis, Coding, Project Management, Technical Writing, etc.)
  • Independent Judgment
  • Problem Solving (Identifies the constraints and risks)
  • Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, Engineering, or degrees in similar quantitative fields

Desired Qualifications 

  • Master's/PhD Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, or Engineering

Additional Information

Hours: 

  • Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Location: 

  • 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180
About Us

Navy Federal provides much more than a job. We provide a meaningful career experience, including a culture that is energized, engaged and committed; and fierce appreciation for our teams, who are rewarded with highly competitive pay and generous benefits and perks.

Our approach to careers is simple yet powerful: Make our mission your passion.

  • FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2025
  • Yello and WayUp Top 100 Internship Programs
  • Computerworld® Best Places to Work in IT
  • Newsweek Most Loved Workplaces
  • 2025 PEOPLE® Companies That Care
  • Newsweek Most Trustworthy Companies in America
  • Military Times 2025 Best for Vets Employers
  • Best Companies for Latinos to Work for 2025
  • Forbes® 2025 America’s Best Large Employers
  • Forbes® 2025 America's Best Employers for New Grads
  • Forbes® 2025 America's Best Employers for Tech Workers
  • 2025 RippleMatch Campus Forward Award Winner for Overall Excellence 
  • Military.com Top Military Spouse Employers 2025 
  • 2025 Handshake Early Talent Award

From Fortune. ©2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Navy Federal Credit Union.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Accommodations: If you need accommodation or assistance for a qualifying condition to complete the online application (or during any stage of the hiring process), you can contact Navy Federal's Medical Accommodations team at [email protected] or by calling 1-888-503-6013. This team cannot provide any information on job postings or application status.

Disclaimers: Navy Federal reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower grade level based on business need. An assessment may be required to compete for this position. Job postings are subject to close early or extend out longer than the anticipated closing date at the hiring team’s discretion based on qualified applicant volume. Navy Federal Credit Union assesses market data to establish salary ranges that enable us to remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range, based on your experience, location and market position. For additional details regarding compensation and benefits, review the Benefits page of the Navy Federal Career Site.

Protect Yourself from Job Scams: Navy Federal Credit Union jobs are posted on our career site, jobs.navyfederal.org and reputable job boards (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed). We do not post jobs on social media marketplaces, messaging apps or unverified websites. We will never ask candidates for payment, bank details or personal financial information during the hiring process.

Bank Secrecy Act: Remains cognizant of and adheres to Navy Federal policies and procedures, and regulations pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act.

Skills Required

  • 6+ years of direct experience in credit card risk strategy or analytics
  • Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, experimental design, and machine learning techniques
  • Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or similar quantitative fields

Navy Federal Credit Union Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Navy Federal Credit Union and has not been reviewed or approved by Navy Federal Credit Union.

  • Retirement Support A pension alongside a strong 401(k) match and additional retirement programs makes long‑term value a standout element of the total package. This combination is positioned as a differentiator among private employers.
  • Healthcare Strength Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage is complemented by on‑site health services at major campuses. Wellness resources and typical offerings like an EAP broaden the health support available.
  • Parental & Family Support Paid parental leave, plus adoption and surrogacy assistance, indicate meaningful support for growing families. Education assistance further extends family and life‑stage support.

Navy Federal Credit Union Insights

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The Company
HQ: Vienna, VA
15,930 Employees
Year Founded: 1933

What We Do

Navy Federal Credit Union is the world's largest credit union with over 12 million members, over $160 billion in assets and over 22,000 employees. As a credit union, we have members, not customers. At our campuses in Vienna, VA, Pensacola, FL and Winchester, VA, and in our more than 350 branches, we serve the men and women of the Armed Forces, Department of Defense, veterans and their families. We deliver world-class service, rooted in the belief that it is an honor and privilege to serve our members. We are committed to providing our members outstanding financial products and services. Navy Federal offers a career, not just a job. We are proud of the robust Total Rewards package we offer to our employees, including competitive salaries, incentive programs, comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, retirement plans with employer match, award-winning training programs, professional development programs, tuition assistance, paid leave, and work/life programs. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal opportunity employer. Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc. iPhone® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. iPad® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. App Store(SM) is a service mark of Apple, Inc. Message and data rates may apply. FORTUNE and 100 Best Companies to Work For are registered trademarks of Time Inc., and are used under license. FORTUNE and Time Inc., are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Navy Federal Credit Union. For more info, visit navyfederal.org

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