Principal Data Scientist – Card Decision Science

Navy Federal Credit Union

Data Scientist providing independent data science and analytical insights to support decision making at Navy Federal. Mentoring lower staff and driving impact through predictive models.

Posted 5/14/2026full-timeVienna • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $130,500 - $179,500 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSHadoopPythonScalaSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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
Conduct complex work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment
Mentor lower level staff

Requirements

What you’ll need

6+ years of direct experience in the credit card risk strategy or analytics
Hands-on experience across the credit strategy analytics lifecycle, including strategy and model development, validation, implementation, and post-implementation monitoring
Strong risk analytics skills and understanding of P&L and key risk drivers
Proven ability to leverage internal member, bureau, and third-party data to generate actionable insights and solve business problems
Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, experimental design, and machine learning techniques
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

Benefits

Comp & perks

TalentQuest employee referral program
Highly competitive pay
Generous benefits and perks
Meaningful career experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

data sciencemachine learningstatistical modelingdata miningdata auditingdata visualizationprogrammingdata modelingadvanced mathematicscredit strategy analytics

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunicationcritical thinkingproblem solvinginitiative with sound judgementindependent judgmentmentoringcollaborationresearch skillstechnical writing

Certifications

Bachelor's Degree in Data ScienceBachelor's Degree in StatisticsBachelor's Degree in MathematicsBachelor's Degree in Computer ScienceBachelor's Degree in EngineeringMaster's Degree in Data ScienceMaster's Degree in StatisticsMaster's Degree in MathematicsMaster's Degree in Computer ScienceMaster's Degree in Engineering