Data Scientist, Sr.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Data Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will transform complex business challenges into actionable insights by applying advanced statistical methods, machine learning, simulation, and optimization techniques. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams to deliver scalable solutions and enable customer-facing applications. Your expertise will be essential in building analytical models, ensuring their compliance with model risk management frameworks, and contributing to the enhancement of USAA’s internal data science tools and libraries. This position offers remote eligibility within the continental U.S., with occasional business travel, and requires on-site presence for individuals living within a 60-mile radius of a USAA office., * Gather, interpret, and manipulate structured and unstructured data to develop advanced analytical solutions.

• Design and deploy scalable, automated models using machine learning, simulation, and optimization to generate business insights and value.
• Select appropriate modeling techniques aligned with business needs and data constraints.
• Develop and implement models within the Model Development Control and Model Risk Management frameworks.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation to support knowledge sharing, risk management, and technical reviews.
• Collaborate with business and analytics leaders to prioritize and propose modeling projects that drive business impact.
• Build and sustain a repository of reusable, production-quality algorithms and code to ensure transparency and data integrity.
• Translate complex business requests into analytical questions, perform analyses, and communicate findings with actionable recommendations.
• Manage project timelines, risks, and deliverables, escalating issues as necessary to ensure success.
• Develop best practices for collaboration with Data Engineering and IT teams to deploy production-ready analytical assets.
• Stay current with emerging techniques, technologies, and methodologies in data science.
• Mentor junior data scientists in modeling, analytics, and programming tasks.
• Participate in internal data science communities to foster innovation and technology advancement.
• Ensure compliance with risk and regulatory policies by effectively identifying and managing associated risks.

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, finance, actuarial sciences, science and engineering, or a related quantitative discipline; OR 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in predictive analytics or data analysis; or an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) with 4 years of experience.
• At least 4 years of experience in training and validating statistical, machine learning, and advanced analytics models.
• Proficiency in at least one dynamic scripting language such as Python or R for statistical analysis and AI/ML model development.
• Strong coding skills with an emphasis on code clarity, documentation, and maintainability.
• Extensive experience querying and preprocessing data from structured and unstructured sources using SQL, HQL, NoSQL, or similar query languages.
• Experience handling diverse data formats including delimited numeric files, JSON/XML, text documents, and images.
• Demonstrated ability in ad-hoc analytics using descriptive, diagnostic, and inferential statistics.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and ability to assess implications for modeling efforts.
• Advanced expertise in supervised learning techniques such as regression, decision trees, support vector machines, and ensemble methods.
• Experience with unsupervised learning methods including clustering algorithms and nearest neighbor techniques.
• Proven ability to mentor junior technical staff and communicate analytical insights to non-technical stakeholders.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Pension plan to support long-term financial security.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Parental benefits including maternity, paternity, and adoption assistance.
• Paid time off including holidays and 16 paid volunteer hours annually.
• Wellness programs to support physical, emotional, and financial health.
• Career path planning and continuing education opportunities.

Equal Opportunity

USAA is a distinguished financial services group dedicated to empowering members of the military community and their families to achieve financial security. Our commitment is reflected in our mission to provide highly competitive products, exceptional service, and trusted advice. Rooted in core values of honesty, integrity, loyalty, and service, USAA fosters a culture that prioritizes respect and support for both our members and employees. We take pride in supporting active-duty military spouses by offering remote or hybrid work flexibility consistent with applicable policies and business needs.