Director Data Scientist – Bank AI/ML (Model Development)

Company: USAA
Location: Phoenix
Posted on: June 24, 2025

Job Description:

Why USAA? At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the 1 choice for the military community and their families. Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values – honesty, integrity, loyalty and service – define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful. The Opportunity As a dedicated Director, Data Scientist, you will lead a team of Data Scientists responsible for identifying, scoping, and translating business problems into applied statistical, machine learning, simulation, and optimization solutions to inform actionable business insights and drive business value through automation, revenue generation, and expense and risk reduction. Works with business leaders to ideate, valuate, and scope projects to meet business needs. The incumbent will also manage the team’s projects and communicates progress updates to senior leadership and other business stakeholders. Responsible for the team’s model inventory and ensures compliance with USAA model risk policies and regulatory expectations. The person will be responsible for influencing the future of data science at USAA by conducting research on the latest technologies and driving adoption of those technologies. We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position can be based in one of the following locations: San Antonio, TX, Plano, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Colorado Springs, CO, Charlotte, NC, or Tampa, FL. Relocation assistance is available for this position. What you'll do: Acts as advanced analytics thought leader and advisor to the business to shape strategies that drive competitiveness and differentiation. Influences business, data, and technology leaders to invest, sustain and expand advanced analytical capabilities by actively participating in strategy, planning, and budgeting exercises. Leads and develops team to build and deploy various advanced analytical solutions in an agile and collaborative environment across business, data, and technology organizations. Enables team’s success by simplifying processes across the model development lifecycle and driving automation. Identifies, scopes, and manages complex analytical projects in collaboration with business stakeholders, often translating results to non-technical business executives. Champions and manages efforts to deliver business insights via scalable, automated solutions using machine learning, simulation, and optimization. Responsible for ensuring all modeling and machine learning solutions adhere to industry standards, model risk policy, and regulatory expectations. Partners with enterprise analytical and IT teams to build USAA core capabilities and processes. Identifies additional resource needs ranging from IT investments, 3rd party support or additional analysts. Builds and oversees a team of Data Scientists through ongoing execution of recruiting, development, retention, coaching and support, performance management, and managerial activities. Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures. What you have: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, finance, actuarial sciences, science and engineering, or other similar quantitative discipline; OR 4 years of experience in statistics, mathematics, quantitative analytics, or related experience (in addition to the minimum years of experience required) may be substituted in lieu of degree. 8 years in predictive modeling, model governance, machine learning and large data analysis., OR Advanced Degree (e.g., Master’s, PhD) in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related quantitative STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field and 6 years in predictive modeling, model governance, machine learning and large data analysis. 3 years of direct management experience. Strong communication skills; demonstrated ability to interpret and translate complex technical information to diverse audiences. Experience with various languages, applications, and technologies (such as SQL, Python, R, Spark, Hadoop etc.) commonly associated with delivery of Data Science solutions. Experience in developing and reviewing modeling solutions based on broad range of techniques – e.g., linear and logistic regressions, time series methods, survival analysis, support vector machines, neural networks, decision trees, random forests, gradient-boosting methods, deep learning, k-means and other clustering methods, simulation methods, or other advanced techniques. Demonstrated ability to apply best practices in modeling and machine learning techniques to solve business problems. Demonstrated ability to write and review complex technical documentation, communicate modeling insights and technical details to business leaders, technical and non-technical audiences. A strong track record of communicating results, insights, and technical solutions to Senior Executive Management (or equivalent). Deep technical skills, consulting experience, and business savvy to interface with all levels and disciplines within the organization. What sets you apart: Demonstrated leadership across diverse data science teams with a focus on delivering results in banking and financial services. Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and align cross-functional teams. Deep understanding of model governance, regulatory expectations and best practices in AI/ML deployment. Proven track record of developing talent fostering collaboration and driving strategic data science initiative across the organization. Compensation range: The salary range for this position is: $189,370 - $361,950 . Compensation: USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market data of the position. The actual salary for this role may vary by location. Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors. The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job. Benefits: At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs. Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals. For more details on our outstanding benefits, visit our benefits page on USAAjobs.com. Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis, this posting will remain open until the position is filled. Thus, interested candidates are encouraged to apply the same day they view this posting. USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Keywords: USAA, Prescott Valley , Director Data Scientist – Bank AI/ML (Model Development), Accounting, Auditing , Phoenix, Arizona