Data Scientist Senior

USAA•San Antonio, NC

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

USAA is seeking a Lead AI Individual Contributor Data Scientist to drive the strategic adoption and practical application of AI, particularly Generative AI, across USAA Federal Savings Bank (USAA FSB). The role involves identifying and implementing AI solutions to boost productivity, automate processes, reduce costs, and create new revenue streams within financial services. This includes scouting for and evaluating external AI tools and technologies, exploring AI solutions as intelligent work assistants for employees, and considering the visionary potential and ethical implications of these advancements. This role is remote eligible in the continental U.S. with occasional business travel. Individuals residing within a 60-mile radius of a USAA office will be expected to work on-site four days per week. Relocation assistance is available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, finance, actuarial sciences, science and engineering, or other similar quantitative discipline; OR 4 years of experience in statistics, mathematics, quantitative analytics, or related experience (in addition to the minimum years of experience required) may be substituted in lieu of degree.
6 years of experience in a predictive analytics or data analysis OR Advanced Degree (e.g., Master's, PhD) in mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, finance, actuarial sciences, science and engineering, or other similar quantitative discipline and 4 years of experience in predictive analytics or data analysis.
4 years of experience in training and validating statistical, physical, machine learning, and other advanced analytics models.
4 years of experience in one or more dynamic scripted language (such as Python, R, etc.) for performing statistical analyses and/or building and scoring AI/ML models.
Proven experience writing code that is easy to follow, well documented, and commented where necessary to explain logic (high code transparency).
Strong experience in querying and preprocessing data from structured and/or unstructured databases using query languages such as SQL, HQL, NoSQL, etc.
Strong experience in working with structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data files such as delimited numeric data files, JSON/XML files, and/or text documents, images, etc.
Demonstrated skill in performing ad-hoc analytics using descriptive, diagnostic, and inferential statistics.
Ability to assess and articulate regulatory implications and expectations of distinct modeling efforts.
Advanced experience with the concepts and technologies associated with classical supervised modeling for prediction such as linear/logistic regression, discriminant analysis, support vector machines, decision trees, forest models, etc.
Advanced experience with the concepts and technologies associated with unsupervised modeling such as k-means clustering, hierarchical/agglomerative clustering, neighbors algorithms, DBSCAN, etc.
Experience guiding and mentoring junior technical staff in business interactions and model building.
Experience communicating analytical and modeling results to non-technical business partners with emphasis on business recommendations and actionable applications of results.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to translate complex data analysis into actionable business insights and strategic recommendations.
Experience in AI/ML/Data Science, focused on product development, strategy, or modeling.
Prior roles with leading tech companies (e.g., Apple, Meta, Amazon AWS, Google, FICO) in AI, automation, or digital product teams.
Experience with developing and implementing AI solutions across diverse platforms and within complex data infrastructures.
Experience in IT roles or IT-adjacent functions, demonstrating a strong understanding of technology systems and infrastructure, is a plus.
Previous exposure to or understanding of the financial services sector is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Gathers, interprets, and manipulates structured and unstructured data to enable advanced analytical solutions for the business.
Develops scalable, automated solutions using machine learning, simulation, and optimization to deliver business insights and business value.
Selects the appropriate modeling technique and/or technology with consideration to data limitations, application, and business needs.
Develops and deploys models within the Model Development Control (MDC) and Model Risk Management (MRM) framework.
Composes, and assists peers with composing, technical documents for knowledge persistence, risk management, and technical review audiences.
Assesses business needs to propose/recommend analytical and modeling projects to add business value.
Works with business and analytics leaders to prioritize analytics and modeling problems/research efforts.
Builds and maintains a robust library of reusable, production-quality algorithms and supporting code, to ensure model development and research efforts are transparent and based on the highest quality data.
Translates complex business request(s) into specific analytical questions, executes on the analysis and/or modeling, and then communicates outcomes to non-technical business colleagues with focus on business action and recommendations.
Manages project milestones, risks, and impediments.
Escalates potential issues that could limit project success or implementation.
Develops best practices for engaging with Data Engineering and IT to deploy production-ready analytical assets consistent with modeling best practices and model risk management standards.
Maintains expertise and awareness of cutting-edge techniques.
Actively seeks opportunities and materials to learn new techniques, technologies, and methodologies.
Serves as a mentor to junior data scientists in modeling, analytics, and computer science tasks.
Participates in internal communities that drive the maintenance and transformation of data science technologies and culture.
Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.