Principal Data Scientist

Overview

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

• 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/PhD Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computers Science, or Engineering

• 6+ years of experience applying advanced analytics, machine learning, and statistical methods to solve complex business problems and influence strategic decisions.

• Strong understanding of the end-to-end data science lifecycle, including data quality assessment, feature engineering, model development, validation, deployment, monitoring, and governance.

• Expertise in Voice of the Member, customer feedback, survey, complaint, contact center, or digital interaction data, with the ability to turn unstructured feedback into actionable insights.

• Experience applying Natural Language Processing (NLP), text analytics, sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and/or Large Language Models (LLMs) to understand customer needs, behaviors, and experiences.

Additional Information

Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM EST

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.

• FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2026

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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

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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: 33334