Senior Data Scientist (Internal Audit Model & AI Risk)

Navy Federal Credit Union is hiring a Senior Data Scientist for its Internal Audit team focused on assessing AI and model risk, governance, and independent assurance activities. The role covers technical evaluations across the end-to-end AI and model lifecycle, from development through validation and ongoing monitoring.

Location and Schedule

• Location: Vienna, VA (onsite)
• Address: 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180
• Additional locations listed: 5510 Heritage Oaks Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526; 141 Security Drive, Winchester, VA 22602
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM

Compensation

• Salary: USD 99,400 - 155,850 per yearly

Role Responsibilities

• Assess AI and model governance processes, including inherent risk ratings, model validations, materiality of model changes, ongoing performance monitoring, and targeted model review approaches within model governance audit activities.
• Plan and lead independent internal audit reviews of AI products, AI-enabled systems, and models using expertise in AI technologies, model risk, and governance practices.
• Apply established audit frameworks and assurance processes to deliver high-quality reviews, manage scope, timelines, stakeholder expectations, and communication throughout the engagement lifecycle.
• Develop, implement, and execute model testing plans for models requiring advanced model risk knowledge and skills.
• Evaluate model development, implementation, and use with respect to conceptual soundness, assumptions, modeling methodology, limitations, data quality, ongoing monitoring, and other elements of the development process.
• Identify meaningful insights from large data and metadata sources.
• Test hypotheses and models, analyze and interpret results using sound judgment within defined procedures.
• Develop and code moderately complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes.
• Use modeling and trend analysis to analyze data and provide insights.
• Apply understanding of best practices and ethical AI.
• Transform data into charts, tables, or formats that support effective decision making.
• Build working relationships with team members and subject matter experts, including leading small projects and initiatives.
• Document and present analysis findings using effective written and verbal communication to diverse stakeholder groups.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5-7 years in data analysis, statistical modeling, or regression analysis, including language models, LLMs, and/or Generative AI technologies
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, Engineering, or similar quantitative fields
• Basic understanding of business and operating environment
• Knowledge of statistics
• Programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics
• SQL, R, Python, Hadoop, SAS, SPSS, Scala
• Knowledge of AI platforms and ecosystems supporting machine learning, generative AI, and LLM-enabled systems, including Microsoft Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry, AWS, and Databricks
• Model lifecycle execution including model development, validation, and governance
• Technical writing
• Data storytelling and technical presentation skills
• Research skills, interpersonal skills, and working knowledge of procedures, instructions, and validation techniques
• Communication, critical thinking, collaboration and relationship building, initiative with sound judgment
• Technical skills including Big Data analysis, coding, project management, and technical writing
• Problem solving and sound judgment when issues are identified

Technologies

• SQL, R, Python, Hadoop, SAS, SPSS, Scala
• Microsoft Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry, AWS, Databricks
• LLMs, Generative AI

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience in model validation, model risk management, AI and agentic risk management, enterprise risk management, or internal audit
• Deep knowledge and experience with SR 11-7 and/or ASOP 56
• Understanding of models and modeling practices used in credit risk management, fraud detection, BSA/AML, operations, treasury and finance, marketing models, and similar use cases
• Knowledge of regulations and frameworks including CECL, CCAR, Anti-Money Laundering, ECOA, FCRA, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, ISO/IEC 42001 Artificial Intelligence Management System, etc.
• Advanced knowledge of Navy Federal Credit Union instructions, standards, and procedures
• Master’s Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, Engineering, or another quantitative or related field

Additional Information

• Work authorization: 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.
• Employee referral: Eligible for the TalentQuest employee referral program.

Disclaimers and Process Notes

• Navy Federal may fill this role at a higher or lower grade level based on business need.
• An assessment may be required to compete.
• Job postings may close early or extend based on qualified applicant volume.
• Navy Federal assesses market data to establish salary ranges.

Job Scam Prevention

• Jobs are posted on the career site (jobs.navyfederal.org) and reputable job boards (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed).
• Navy Federal does not post jobs on social media marketplaces, messaging apps, or unverified websites.
• Navy Federal will never ask candidates for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during the hiring process.

Bank Secrecy Act and Accommodations

• Bank Secrecy Act (BSA): The role remains cognizant of and adheres to Navy Federal policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the BSA.
• Accommodations: If you need accommodation or assistance for a qualifying condition during the online application or any stage of the hiring process, contact [email protected] or call 1-888-503-6013.