Principal Data Scientist (Credit Risk Forecasting)

Develop and deploy CECL and credit risk forecasting models that support mission critical decision making. At Navy Federal Credit Union, you will lead complex, independent data science work for consumer lending portfolios, pairing advanced analytics with clear communication to help stakeholders understand risk and reserve implications.

This onsite role is based in Pensacola, FL (Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM). The salary range is $114,500 to $179,500 per year. Please note: Navy Federal Credit Union does not provide sponsorship for this role. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

What you’ll do

• Contribute to the end-to-end CECL model lifecycle for consumer lending portfolios, including development, implementation, execution, monitoring, documentation, and governance
• Design, develop, and evaluate large and complex predictive models and advanced algorithms, including post-model adjustment
• Test hypotheses and models, then analyze and interpret results to inform selection of the right course of action
• Create actionable insights and recommendations derived from exploratory data analysis across complex, high-dimensional datasets
• Develop and code complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes to support model work
• Use evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to handle problems of diverse scope requiring identifiable factor analysis
• Communicate findings through effective written and verbal documentation for a diverse set of stakeholders
• Lead moderate to large projects and initiatives, working with senior management on complex issues
• Serve as a technical resource to other team members and mentor junior staff on credit risk forecasting and financial performance assessments
• Model best practices and ethical AI, and support development and enhancement of practices, procedures, and instructions
• Assist with ongoing model production processes, including support for validation and governance activities

What you bring

• 6+ years of experience with requisite competencies
• Complete knowledge and full understanding of specialization
• Strong background in statistics, machine learning, data mining, data auditing, aggregation, reconciliation, and visualization
• Proficiency in programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics
• Experience using tools such as Python, R, SAS, SQL, Hadoop, SPSS, Scala, and AWS
• Experience executing the model lifecycle and producing technical writing deliverables
• Data storytelling and technical presentation skills
• Advanced knowledge of CECL reserving, credit loss forecasting, and Model Risk Management guidelines
• Familiarity with consumer lending portfolios including credit card, auto, secured consumer lending, unsecured consumer lending, mortgage, or home equity
• Experience with loan-level or account-level credit loss modeling techniques such as probability of default, loss given default, exposure at default, prepayment, survival/hazard, and competing risk models
• Experience implementing controlled model production processes including version control, data validation, reconciliation, monitoring, documentation, and change management
• Experience responding to Model Risk Management validation and review requests (internal audit, external audit, regulatory, accounting, or control review)
• Advanced knowledge of federal and state laws governing credit card, secured consumer lending, and unsecured consumer lending
• Advanced knowledge of banking and financial industry trends, products, services, credit cycles, portfolio performance drivers, and reserve implications
• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a similar quantitative field
• Master’s/PhD in Data Science, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering (preferred by requirement set)
• Research, communication, critical thinking, initiative with sound judgment, interpersonal skills, independent judgment, and problem-solving skills

TalentQuest employee referral program: This position is eligible for the TalentQuest employee referral program.

Locations listed: 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180 and 5510 Heritage Oaks Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526.