Data Scientist Senior

Why USAA?

At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the #1 choice for the military community and their families.

Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values – honesty, integrity, loyalty and service – define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful.

The Opportunity

As Data Scientist Senior - Risk Data and Analytics, you will be responsible for developing AI models using machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing, particularly transformer models and Generative AI. Your expertise will be instrumental in developing and implementing predictive modeling solutions for the risk and compliance organization, enabling them to proactively identify and mitigate risks.

The Data Scientist Senior will design and implement data mining and natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, including Generative AI models, to extract valuable information from unstructured text data. In addition, develop machine learning models for forecasting, regression, classification, clustering, and advanced statistical analysis.

We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position can be based in one of the following locations: San Antonio, TX, Plano, TX. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

What you'll do:

• 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, completes the analysis and/or modeling, and then communicates outcomes to non-technical business colleagues with focus on business action and recommendations.
• Manages project breakthroughs, risks, and impediments. Raises potential issues that could limit project success or implementation.
• Develops standard processes for engaging with Data Engineering and IT to deploy production-ready analytical assets consistent with modeling practices and model risk management standards.
• Maintains expertise and awareness of groundbreaking techniques. Actively seeks opportunities and materials to learn new techniques, technologies, and methodologies.
• Serves as a coach 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.

What you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, finance, actuarial sciences, science and engineering, or other similar quantitative field; 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 confirmed 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 subject area and 4 years of experience in predictive analytics or data analysis.
• 4 years proven ability 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience guiding and mentoring junior technical staff in business interactions and model building.
• Knowledge of presenting analytical and modeling results to non-technical business partners with emphasis on business recommendations and actionable applications of results.

What sets you apart:

• Proven experience using transformer methods to build NLP models which extract pertinent information from unstructured text.
• Strong experience in technical writing, specifically with preparing detailed AI model documentation.
• Solid experience with Generative AI models.
• US military experience through military service or a military spouse/domestic partner.

Compensation range: The salary range for this position is: $143,320.00 - $273,930.00.

Compensation: USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market data of the position. The actual salary for this role may vary by location.

Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

Benefits: At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs. Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals.

For more details on our outstanding benefits, visit our benefits page on USAAjobs.com.

Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis, this posting will remain open until the position is filled. Thus, interested candidates are encouraged to apply the same day they view this posting.

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.