Principal Data Scientist (Model Risk Management)

Company: Navy Federal Credit Union
Location: Vienna
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

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. Understand business needs and identify opportunities for new products, services, and process optimization to meet business objectives through the use of cutting-edge data science. 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. Responsibilities • Conduct model validations including evaluating model conceptual soundness, assessing data appropriateness, reviewing statistical and analytical testing, outcome evaluation and performance monitoring • Provide subject matter expertise to identify models’ key assumptions, limitations and weaknesses, and recommend practical solutions to mitigate model risk • Develop benchmark/challenger models to assess strength of model under review • Prepare and present clear, thorough reports to model developers and model owners explaining the analysis performed, results of the analysis and recommendations for improvement • Design, develop, and evaluate large and complex predictive models and advanced algorithms if needed • 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 • Transform data into charts, tables, or format that aids effective decision making • 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 lower levels Qualifications • At least 10 years of experience in credit risk model development or validation with a Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, or another quantitative field; or at least 6 years of relevant experience with a Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline. • Expertise in industry best practices for CECL, account acquisition scorecards, account management modeling, pricing, or collections • In-depth knowledge of model governance throughout the entire model lifecycle • 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 • SQL, R, Python, Hadoop, SAS, 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) Hours: Available Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM Location: 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180

Keywords: Navy Federal Credit Union, Dale City , Principal Data Scientist (Model Risk Management), IT / Software / Systems , Vienna, Virginia