Lead AI Individual Contributor Data Scientist

About The Company

USAA is a leading financial services organization dedicated to serving military members and their families. Our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security by offering highly competitive products, exceptional service, and trusted advice. We pride ourselves on our core values of honesty, integrity, loyalty, and service, which guide our interactions with members and colleagues alike. At USAA, we foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and continuous growth, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the financial industry while supporting the unique needs of the military community. Our commitment extends to supporting active-duty military spouses, offering flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, to accommodate their lifestyles. We believe in creating a fulfilling career environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead AI Individual Contributor Data Scientist to spearhead the strategic adoption and practical application of artificial intelligence, with a particular emphasis on Generative AI, within USAA Federal Savings Bank (USAA FSB). This pivotal role involves identifying innovative AI solutions—ranging from industry-leading advancements to existing tools across USAA’s various lines of business—and integrating them seamlessly into our platforms and IT infrastructure. The goal is to enhance productivity, automate routine processes, reduce operational costs, and discover new revenue streams within the financial services domain. The successful candidate will actively scout for external AI technologies through professional networks, academic collaborations, conferences, and research to ensure USAA leverages the most advanced and relevant solutions. They will also evaluate the ethical implications of AI implementations, ensuring responsible innovation that aligns with our values and regulatory standards. This role offers remote work flexibility within the continental U.S., with occasional travel requirements. Candidates residing within a 60-mile radius of USAA offices are expected to work on-site four days a week. Relocation assistance is available for qualified applicants.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a strong educational background in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, finance, actuarial sciences, or engineering. A minimum of eight years of experience in predictive analytics or data analysis is required, with advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) preferred, complemented by at least six years of relevant experience. Extensive experience in training and validating complex models, including machine learning and statistical techniques, is essential. Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or R, along with expertise in querying and preprocessing data from structured and unstructured sources, is required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, capable of translating technical insights into actionable business strategies, and possess project management experience to handle milestones, risks, and impediments effectively. A deep understanding of classical supervised and unsupervised modeling techniques, along with experience mentoring junior staff, will set candidates apart. Knowledge of regulatory considerations related to modeling efforts is also important. Certifications or experience from leading technology firms and familiarity with financial services are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Looking to advance your Data Science career with relocation support? Explore Data Science Jobs with Relocation Packages that include comprehensive packages to help you move and settle in your new role.

• Gather, interpret, and manipulate complex structured and unstructured data to enable advanced analytics solutions that support business objectives.
• Lead and execute advanced analytics projects utilizing machine learning, simulation, and optimization techniques to generate actionable insights.
• Advise on selecting appropriate modeling techniques considering data constraints, application context, and business needs.
• Develop and deploy models within the Model Development Control (MDC) and Model Risk Management (MRM) frameworks, ensuring compliance and transparency.
• Author and peer-review technical documentation to support knowledge retention, risk management, and technical validation processes.
• Collaborate with business leaders to identify analytical needs, propose projects, and prioritize initiatives that generate tangible business value.
• Build and maintain a library of reusable, production-quality algorithms and supporting code, ensuring high standards of data quality and transparency.

Discover our full range of relocation jobs with comprehensive support packages to help you relocate and settle in your new location.

• Translate complex business requests into specific analytical questions, execute analyses, and communicate results effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines, risks, and impediments, escalating issues proactively to ensure successful project delivery.
• Establish best practices for deploying analytical assets in collaboration with Data Engineering and IT teams, aligning with modeling and risk management standards.
• Stay abreast of emerging techniques and technologies through continuous learning, industry engagement, and participation in professional communities.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analytics team members, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to enterprise efforts aimed at transforming data science capabilities and cultivating a data-driven culture.

Interested in relocating to United State? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Jobs in United State page with detailed relocation packages and benefits.

• Ensure all activities comply with risk, compliance, and ethical standards, actively managing associated risks.
  
  

Benefits

USAA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Benefits include competitive health insurance options, dental and vision coverage, and wellness programs. We provide generous paid time off, including holidays and leave policies that promote work-life balance. Our retirement plan options, including 401(k) with company matching, help employees plan for their future. USAA also invests in professional development through training programs, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement opportunities. Additional perks may include flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, and access to various resources aimed at fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Equal Opportunity

USAA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to serve our members effectively and innovatively