Principal Data Scientist (Credit Risk Forecasting)

In this onsite Principal Data Scientist role, you will build and operationalize Navy Federal lending CECL and credit risk forecasting models. The position focuses on end-to-end model development and governance for consumer lending portfolios, with an emphasis on advanced analytics, statistical modeling, and machine learning to support mission-critical decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end CECL model development, including implementation, execution, monitoring, documentation, and governance for consumer lending portfolios
• Design, develop, and evaluate large and complex predictive models and advanced algorithms
• Test hypotheses and models, analyze outcomes, and interpret results to inform decision making
• Create actionable insights and recommendations based on model performance and analysis
• Develop and code complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes
• Select appropriate courses of action using evaluation, judgment, and interpretation
• Apply analytical methods to problems of diverse scope requiring evaluation of identifiable factors
• Drive innovative solutions through exploratory data analysis on complex, high-dimensional datasets
• Document analyses and present findings using effective written and verbal communication for diverse stakeholders
• Maintain strong working relationships with team members, subject matter experts, and leaders
• Lead moderate to large projects and initiatives
• Apply model best practices and ethical AI principles
• Partner with senior management on complex issues
• Support development and enhancement of practices, procedures, and instructions
• Serve as a technical resource to other team members
• Mentor junior team members to develop capability in credit risk forecasting and financial performance assessments

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience with relevant competencies
• Complete knowledge and full understanding of the specialization
• Statistics, machine learning, data mining, data auditing, aggregation, reconciliation, and visualization
• Programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics
• Experience with Python, R, SAS, SQL, Hadoop, SPSS, Scala, and AWS
• Model lifecycle execution
• Technical writing
• Data storytelling and technical presentation skills
• Research skills and interpersonal skills
• Advanced knowledge of procedures, instructions, and validation techniques
• Model development, communication, and critical thinking
• Collaboration and relationship building, initiative with sound judgment
• Strong technical skills (big data analysis, coding, project management, technical writing, etc.)
• Independent judgment and problem solving, including identification of constraints and risks

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in Data Science, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering
• Advanced knowledge of CECL reserving, credit loss forecasting, and Model Risk Management guidelines
• Experience with consumer lending portfolios such as credit card, auto, secured consumer lending, unsecured consumer lending, mortgage, or home equity
• Familiarity with loan-level or account-level credit loss modeling techniques, including probability of default, loss given default, exposure at default, prepayment, survival or 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, internal audit, external audit, regulatory, accounting, or control review questions
• Advanced knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing credit card, secured consumer lending, and unsecured consumer lending
• Advanced knowledge of banking and financial industry trends, products and services, credit cycles, portfolio performance drivers, and reserve implications

Technology Stack

• Python, R, SAS, SQL
• Hadoop, SPSS, Scala
• AWS

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Compensation

USD 114,500 - 179,500 per year.

Work Locations

• 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180
• 5510 Heritage Oaks Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526

Work Authorization

Navy Federal Credit Union currently 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.