Data Scientist

About The Company

USAA is a leading financial services organization dedicated to serving the military community and their families. Our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service, and trusted advice. With a deep commitment to honesty, integrity, loyalty, and service, USAA strives to be the preferred choice for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. We foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement, ensuring our members receive the highest quality of service and support. Our organization values the contributions of our employees and offers a dynamic and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. We are proud to support active-duty military spouses and offer flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, to accommodate their unique needs.

About The Role

As an AI Data Solutions Scientist within USAA's Technology organization, you will play a pivotal role in transforming our data science capabilities and advancing our artificial intelligence initiatives. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including architecture, engineering, and product management, to develop innovative solutions that enhance our operational efficiency and member experiences. Your expertise will drive the creation of scalable, automated analytical models utilizing advanced machine learning, simulation, optimization, and cutting-edge generative AI technologies such as large language models and agent frameworks.

This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI modeling and deployment, contributing to USAA's next-generation AI strategy. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying models within our governance frameworks, ensuring they meet risk management and compliance standards. Your work will directly impact our ability to deliver personalized, efficient, and secure financial services to our members. The role requires a collaborative mindset, excellent communication skills, and a passion for leveraging data science to solve complex business challenges.

This position is based in San Antonio, TX, Plano, TX, or Phoenix, AZ, with a requirement to work in-office four days per week. Relocation assistance is not provided. The role offers a chance to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation and excellence in financial services technology.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, statistics, engineering, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent experience. A master's degree or PhD in a relevant discipline is preferred. Candidates should have at least six years of experience in predictive analytics or data analysis, with a strong background in developing and validating advanced models. Proficiency in Python for statistical analysis and machine learning, along with experience querying structured and unstructured data using SQL, NoSQL, or similar languages, is essential.

Deep expertise in classical supervised and unsupervised modeling techniques, such as regression, decision trees, clustering, and support vector machines, is required. Experience with large language models, prompt engineering, and agent-based systems development using frameworks like LangChain, VertexAI, or MCP is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of MLOps practices, cloud environments (AWS or GCP), and model risk management standards. Strong communication skills and the ability to mentor junior staff are critical for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Gather, interpret, and manipulate both structured and unstructured data to enable advanced analytics solutions that support business objectives.
• Design, develop, and deploy scalable, automated models using machine learning, simulation, and optimization techniques to generate actionable insights.
• Select appropriate modeling techniques considering data limitations, business needs, and application contexts.
• Ensure models are developed and deployed within the Model Development Control (MDC) and Model Risk Management (MRM) frameworks, maintaining compliance and quality standards.
• Document technical processes and model details for knowledge sharing, risk assessment, and technical reviews.
• Assess business needs to propose impactful analytics and modeling projects that add value to the organization.
• Collaborate with business and analytics leaders to prioritize projects and research efforts.
• Build and maintain a library of reusable, production-quality algorithms and supporting code, ensuring transparency and high data quality.
• Translate complex business questions into analytical tasks, execute analyses, and communicate findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders with actionable recommendations.
• Manage project milestones, identify risks, and escalate issues to ensure successful project delivery.
• Develop best practices for integrating analytics solutions with Data Engineering and IT teams for deployment.
• Stay current with emerging techniques and technologies in data science and AI to continuously enhance capabilities.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to internal communities focused on data science innovation and culture.
• Monitor and control risks associated with analytical activities, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.

Benefits

USAA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, financial, and emotional well-being of our employees. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, a 401(k) retirement plan, pension options, life insurance, parental leave, adoption assistance, and paid time off including holidays and volunteer hours. We also provide wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and continuous education support to foster career growth. Our commitment to work-life balance and employee satisfaction makes USAA an outstanding place to build a rewarding career.

Equal Opportunity

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national