Senior Principal Data Scientist (Marketing Channel Optimization)

Navy Federal Credit Union; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Navy Federal Credit Union in Vienna, VA seeks a senior data science leader to design and develop sophisticated predictive models and advanced algorithms to support mission-critical decisions.

The role requires expert-level analytics, extensive experience, and the ability to guide policy and research initiatives while communicating findings to senior leaders.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Statistics, machine learning, programming, data modeling, simulation, trend analysis, visualization, and advanced mathematics to recognize patterns.
• Masters Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, Engineering, or degrees in similar quantitative fields.

Responsibilities

• Direct existing principles and guide development of new policies.
• Produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from complex and high-dimensional datasets.
• Identify opportunities, pose business questions, and make valuable discoveries.
• Generate and test hypotheses, analyze and interpret the results.
• Develop and code the most complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes.
• Translate complex business and technical needs into technological objectives.
• Utilize effective written and verbal communication to document and present findings to stakeholders in support of critical decision making.
• Mentor and assist leading lower levels.

Skills

SQL

Python

R

AWS

Machine Learning

Data Visualization

Big Data

Education

Master's Degree in Data Science or related field

PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering

Tools

Hadoop

SAS

SPSS

Scala

Job description

Overview

Provide analytical insight from organizational data to support mission critical decision making. Understand business needs and identify opportunities for new products and services to meet business objectives. Design and develop sophisticated predictive models and advanced algorithms to drive decisions and optimize business results. Devise testing of business data to draw conclusion for statistical significance at various confidence levels. Regarded as an industry expert in the data science field. Conduct highly complex work, unsupervised and with extensive latitude for independent judgment. Progression to this level is typically restricted on the basis of business requirement.

Responsibilities

• Direct existing principles and guide development of new policies
• Produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from complex and high-dimensional datasets
• Identify opportunities, pose business questions, and make valuable discoveries
• Generate and test hypotheses, analyze and interpret the results
• Develop and code the most complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes
• Translate complex business and technical needs into technological objectives
• Utilize effective written and verbal communication to document and present findings to stakeholders in support of critical decision making
• Recognized as subject matter expert and advanced individual contributor professional
• Maintain and foster strong working relationships with team members, subject matter experts, and senior leaders
• Research and apply new best practices and ethical AI
• Advise senior leaders on analytical insights and solutions to solve business problems
• May lead complex technical projects and initiatives with significant impact
• Lead the development and enhancement practices, procedures, and instructions
• Serve as lead technical resource for other team members
• Mentor and assist leading lower levels

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience
• In-depth professional knowledge, acumen, and concepts
• Requires specialized skill set
• Solid understanding of business dynamics and strategy
• Statistics, machine learning, programming, data modeling, simulation, trend analysis, visualization, and advanced mathematics to recognize patterns
• SQL, R, Python, Hadoop, SAS, SPSS, Scala, AWS
• Project Management skills
• Model lifecycle execution
• Technical writing
• Data storytelling and technical presentation skills
• Research Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Mentoring
• Model Development
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Thought Leadership
• Initiative with sound judgement
• Technical (Big Data Analysis, Coding, Project Management, Technical Writing, etc.)
• Independent Judgment (Extensive)
• Problem Solving (Recognizes potential issues and risks for long term implications)
• Masters Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, Engineering, or degrees in similar quantitative fields

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering

Additional Information

Hours

• Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Locations

• 820 Follin Ln. Vienna, Virginia 22180

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.

• FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2026
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• Computerworld® Best Places to Work in IT 2026
• Most Loved Workplace – America’s Top Most Loved Workplaces® 2025
• 2025 PEOPLE® Companies That Care
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• Military Times 2025 Best for Vets Employers
• Forbes® 2026 America's Best Large Employers
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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
• Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging and Community 2026

From Fortune Magazine. © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For are registered trademarks of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune Magazine, Fortune Media (USA) Corporation, and its affiliates are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Navy Federal Credit Union.

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.

Bank Secrecy Act

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