Principal Data Scientist - AI Foundations, Specialist Models

Capital One is hiring a Principal Data Scientist to strengthen the AI for Data team and help build and ship state-of-the-art machine learning solutions across the enterprise data lifecycle. In this onsite role in McLean, VA, you will collaborate closely with product, technology, and design partners to apply emerging ML approaches to create next-generation, personalized experiences for data and platform users.

Role summary

As a Principal Data Scientist in AI for Data, you will use modern machine learning methods to deliver work spanning model design, training, evaluation, validation, and implementation. The team builds and ships solutions that support data lifecycle needs across the organization, with a strong focus on experimentation, innovation, and practical impact.

What you’ll do

• Work with a cross-functional group of data scientists, software engineers, and product managers to deliver products customers love
• Apply a broad technology stack including Python, Conda, AWS, H2O, Spark, and more to extract insights from large-scale numeric and textual data
• Develop machine learning models across the full lifecycle, from design through training, evaluation, validation, and implementation
• Translate technical work into clear business goals using strong interpersonal and communication skills

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (Statistics, Economics, Operations Research, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related) plus 5 years of experience performing data analytics
• Master’s degree in a quantitative field (Statistics, Economics, Operations Research, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related) or an MBA with a quantitative concentration plus 3 years of experience performing data analytics
• PhD in a quantitative field (Statistics, Economics, Operations Research, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related)

Degree requirements are expected to be completed on or before the scheduled start date.

Technologies

• Python, Conda, AWS, H2O, Spark, Scala, R, SQL

Team description

• The AI for Data team builds and ships state-of-the-art machine learning solutions to support data lifecycle within the enterprise
• Partners with product, tech, and design teams to deliver personalized experiences that improve productivity and innovation for data and platform users
• Leads experimentation and creation of next-generation experiences powered by emerging ML technologies

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree in a “STEM” field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or PhD in a “STEM” field
• Experience working with AWS
• At least 3 years’ experience with Python, Scala, or R
• At least 3 years’ experience with machine learning
• At least 3 years’ experience with SQL

Compensation and benefits

• Salary range: USD 161,800 - 184,600 per year (McLean, VA)
• Eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI)
• Comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial, and other benefits

Other workplace notes

• Capital One will consider sponsoring a new qualified applicant for employment authorization for this position
• Applications are expected to be accepted for a minimum of 5 business days
• No agencies please
• Equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet); committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable laws
• Promotes a drug-free workplace
• Accommodation and recruiting contact information is available through Capital One Recruiting and Careers channels