Principal Data Scientist – LLM/Agentic AI Experience

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

Benefits offered by this job

TalentQuest employee referral program

Job summary

Navy Federal Credit Union seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead AI/LLM initiatives for the Real Estate Lending department. You will develop advanced models, AI agents, and data-driven insights to improve member experience and operational efficiency.

You will mentor junior staff, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive projects from ideation to deployment using cutting‑edge AI techniques and responsible AI practices.

Qualifications

• Strong background in AI/ML and data science with practical model development.
• Experience in AI/LLM and agent development, including prompt engineering and RAG.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python; familiarity with big data tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evaluate predictive models and LLM-driven AI agents.
• Test hypotheses, analyze results, and deliver actionable insights.
• Code complex algorithms and automated processes; mentor staff.

Skills

AI/LLM Development

Agent-based AI

SQL & Python

Data Modeling

Statistics & ML

Big Data

Data Visualization

Project Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in quantitative field

Master’s/PhD in Data Science

Tools

Databricks

Azure AI Foundry

Copilot Studio

Power BI

AWS

GitHub

APIs

Job description

Principal Data Scientist (LLM/Agentic AI Experience)

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.

Provide independent AI, machine learning, and analytical insights using member, financial, and organizational data to support mission critical decision making for Real Estate Lending (REL) Department. Understand business needs and identify opportunities for enhancing member experience and improving internal operations/efficiencies to meet business objectives through the use of cutting‑edge AI/data science. Create descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models, insights, and AI agents to drive impact across REL and NFCU. Regarded as an advanced professional in the AI/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

• Design, develop, and evaluate large and complex predictive models, advanced algorithms, and LLM-driven AI agents
• 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 scopes where analysis of information requires evaluation of identifiable factors
• Produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from complex and high-dimensional datasets
• Transform data into charts, tables, or format that aids effective decision making
• Utilize effective written and verbal communication to document analyses and present findings and 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 lower levels

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
• AI/LLM and agent development experience (prompt engineering, RAG architectures, vector databases, embeddings, AI guardrails, LLM evaluations, fine-tuning fundamentals)
• Programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics
• SQL, R, Python/Pyspark, Hadoop, SAS, AWS, Github, APIs
• Databricks, Azure Environment (AI Foundry), Copilot Studio, Power BI
• Technical writing
• Model development and lifecycle execution
• Data storytelling and technical presentation skills
• Research skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Advanced knowledge of procedures, instructions and validation techniques
• 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, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, or Engineering

Additional Information

Hours

• Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Location

• 141 Security Drive, Winchester, VA 22602

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.