Principal Data Scientist

Navy Federal Credit Union•Vienna, VA

7d•$131,800 - $181,200•Onsite

About The Position

Provide independent data science, machine learning, and analytical insights using member, financial, and organizational data to support mission-critical decision-making across the organization. Understand business needs and identify opportunities for new products, services, and process optimization through cutting-edge data science. Create descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models and insights to drive organizational impact. This is an advanced professional role involving complex work under minimal supervision, with wide latitude for independent judgment, and mentoring lower-level staff.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience with the requisite competencies.
Complete knowledge and full understanding of the specialization.
Knowledge of statistics, machine learning, data mining, data auditing, aggregation, reconciliation, and visualization.
Knowledge of programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics.
Experience or knowledge with SQL, R, Python, Hadoop, SAS, SPSS, Scala, and AWS.
Knowledge of model lifecycle execution.
Technical writing skills.
Data storytelling and technical presentation skills.
Research skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Advanced knowledge of procedures, instructions, and validation techniques.
Model development skills.
Communication skills.
Critical thinking skills.
Ability to collaborate and build relationships.
Initiative and sound judgment.
Technical skills, including big data analysis, coding, project management, and technical writing.
Independent judgment.
Problem-solving skills, including identifying constraints and risks.
Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a similar quantitative field.

Nice To Haves

Master's or Ph.D. degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering.
At least 6 years of experience applying advanced analytics, machine learning, and statistical methods to complex business problems and strategic decisions.
Strong understanding of the end-to-end data science lifecycle, including data quality assessment, feature engineering, model development, validation, deployment, monitoring, and governance.
Expertise in Voice of the Member, customer feedback, survey, complaint, contact center, or digital interaction data, and turning unstructured feedback into actionable insights.
Experience applying Natural Language Processing (NLP), text analytics, sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and/or Large Language Models (LLMs) to understand customer needs, behaviors, and experiences.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and evaluate large and complex predictive models and advanced algorithms.
Test hypotheses and models, and analyze and interpret results.
Develop actionable insights and recommendations.
Develop and code complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes.
Use evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select the appropriate course of action.
Work on problems of diverse scope that require evaluating identifiable factors.
Produce innovative solutions through exploratory data analysis of complex, high-dimensional datasets.
Transform data into charts, tables, or other formats that support effective decision-making.
Document analyses and present findings to diverse stakeholder audiences through effective written and verbal communication.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with team members, subject matter experts, and leaders.
Lead moderate-to-large projects and initiatives.
Model best practices and ethical AI.
Work with senior management on complex issues.
Assist with developing and enhancing practices, procedures, and instructions.
Serve as a technical resource for other team members.
Mentor lower-level staff.