Principal Data Scientist (Credit Risk Forecasting)

Navy Federal Credit Union; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TalentQuest referral program

Job summary

Navy Federal Credit Union is seeking an experienced data scientist to advance CECL and credit risk models for consumer lending portfolios. You will design and deploy predictive analytics, validate models, and translate results into actionable business decisions.

Applicants should have a strong statistical background, proficiency in Python/R/SAS/SQL, and experience with large data sets, governance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in data science, credit risk, or related field.
• Experience with CECL/reserving and model development lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge of statistics, ML, data mining, and visualization.
• Proficient in Python, R, SAS, SQL; familiarity with Hadoop, AWS.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to end-to-end CECL model development, implementation, and governance for consumer lending portfolios.
• Design, develop, and evaluate large predictive models and advanced algorithms.
• Test hypotheses, analyze results, and develop actionable insights.
• Code complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes.
• Mentor junior team members and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Skills

CECL modeling

Credit risk

Statistical modeling

Python

R

SQL

Hadoop

AWS

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Data Science/Statistics/Math/CS

Tools

Python

R

SAS

SQL

Hadoop

SPSS

Scala

AWS

Job description

Overview

Navy Federal Credit Union currently 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.

Developing and deploying NFCU Lending CECL and credit risk predictive models, post-model adjustment, advanced analytics, and advanced statistical techniques, solutions and actionable insights that deliver business impacts. Provide independent data science, machine learning, and analytical insights using member, financial, and organizational data to support mission critical decision making for various areas of the organization. Create descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models and insights to drive impact across the organization. Regarded as an advanced professional in the data science field. Conduct complex work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment. Mentor lower level staff.

This position is eligible for the TalentQuest employee referral program. If an employee referred you for this job, please apply using the system-generated link that was sent to you.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the end-to-end CECL model development, implementation, execution, monitoring, documentation, and governance for consumer lending portfolios
• Design, develop, and evaluate large and complex predictive models and advanced algorithms
• Test hypotheses/models, 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 right course of action
• Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of information requires evaluation of identifiable factors
• Produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from complex and high-dimensional datasets
• Utilize effective written and verbal communication to document analyses and present findings analyses to a diverse audience of stakeholders
• 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
• Works with senior management on complex issues
• Assist with the development and enhancement practices, procedures, and instructions
• Serve as technical resource for other team members
• Mentor the junior team members, providing guidance on both credit risk forecasting and financial performance assessments to develop talent and enhance organizational capabilities.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience with requisite competencies
• Complete knowledge and full understanding of specialization
• Statistics, machine learning, data mining, data auditing, aggregation, reconciliation, and visualization
• Programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics
• Python, R, SAS, SQL, Hadoop, SPSS, Scala, AWS
• Model lifecycle execution
• Technical writing
• Data storytelling and technical presentation skills
• Research Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Advanced knowledge of procedures, instructions and validation techniques
• Model Development
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Collaborate and Build Relationships
• Initiative with sound judgement
• Technical (Big Data Analysis, Coding, Project Management, Technical Writing, etc.)
• Independent Judgment
• Problem Solving (Identifies the constraints and risks)
• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, Engineering, or degrees in similar quantitative fields

Desired Qualifications

• Master's/PhD Degree in Data Science, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, or Engineering
• Advanced knowledge of CECL reserving, credit loss forecasting, and Model Risk Management guidelines.
• Experience with consumer lending portfolios such as credit card, auto, secured consumer lending, unsecured consumer lending, mortgage, or home equity.
• Familiarity with loan-level or account-level credit loss modeling techniques, including probability of default, loss given default, exposure at default, prepayment, survival/hazard, and competing risk models.
• Experience implementing controlled model production processes, including version control, data validation, reconciliation, monitoring, documentation, and change management.
• Experience responding to Model Risk Management validation, internal audit, external audit, regulatory, accounting, or control review questions.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations that govern credit card, secured consumer lending, and unsecured consumer lending.
• Advanced knowledge of banking and financial industry trends, products, services, credit cycles, portfolio performance drivers, and reserve implications.

Additional Information

Hours

• Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Location

• 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180
• 5510 Heritage Oaks Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526

About Us

Navy Federal provides much more than a job. We provide a meaningful career experience, including a culture that is energized, engaged and committed; and fierce appreciation for our teams, who are rewarded with highly competitive pay and generous benefits and perks. Our approach to careers is simple yet powerful: Make our mission your passion.

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• 2025 RippleMatch Campus Forward Award Winner for Overall Excellence
• Military.com Top Military Spouse Employers 2025
• 2026 Handshake Early Talent Award

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Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

If you need accommodation or assistance for a qualifying condition to complete the online application (or during any stage of the hiring process), you can contact Navy Federal's Medical Accommodations team at [e-mail] or by calling 1-888-503-6013. This team cannot provide any information on job postings or application status.

Disclaimers

Navy Federal reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower grade level based on business need. An assessment may be required to compete for this position. Job postings are subject to close early or extend out longer than the anticipated closing date at the hiring team's discretion based on qualified applicant volume. Navy Federal Credit Union assesses market data to establish salary ranges that enable us to remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range, based on your experience, location and market position. For additional details regarding compensation and benefits, review the Benefits page of the Navy Federal Career Site.

Protect Yourself from Job Scams

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

Bank Secrecy Act

Remains cognizant of and adheres to Navy Federal policies and procedures, and regulations pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act.