Principal Data Scientist (Credit Risk for Small Business and Commercial)

Overview

Provide strategic data science, machine learning, and advanced analytics leadership to inform mission-critical decisions across the organization, with a primary focus on small business lending. Leverage small business credit, application, financial statement, cash flow, transaction, and performance data to shape underwriting, risk segmentation, pricing, portfolio management, and the end-to-end member lending experience. Partner with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to identify high-impact opportunities, influence product and credit strategies, and translate complex data into scalable analytical solutions, actionable insights, and measurable business outcomes. Advance the organization’s analytical capabilities through descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive modeling and the responsible application of leading data science techniques. Operate as a trusted advisor and advanced practitioner, leading complex initiatives with broad independent judgment and developing analytical talent across the team.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, Engineering, or degrees in similar quantitative fields

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s or doctoral degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related quantitative discipline

• Demonstrated success applying data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics to small business banking, commercial lending, or small business lending strategies

• Deep experience designing and implementing analytical solutions across the lending lifecycle, including originations, underwriting, credit decisioning, pricing, account management, portfolio monitoring, and collections

• Strong command of small business credit risk, cash flow underwriting, commercial credit data, financial statements, transaction data, and alternative data sources

• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and partner across lending product, credit risk, underwriting, operations, and model risk to translate analytical insights into strategic business decisions

Additional Information

Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Location:

• 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 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.

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• Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging and Community 2026

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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 [email protected] 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 (https://fa-etbx-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/nfcu/pages/employee-benefits) 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. REQNUMBER: 32763