Machine Learning Engineer

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. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of honesty, integrity, loyalty, and service, which guides our interactions with members and colleagues alike. USAA is committed to supporting active-duty military spouses and offers flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, to accommodate their unique needs.

As a company deeply rooted in the values of service and excellence, USAA strives to create an inclusive environment where innovation and professional growth thrive. Our commitment extends beyond financial services to include community engagement, employee development, and maintaining a workplace that values diversity and inclusion.

About The Role

The Senior Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Engineer at USAA plays a pivotal role in advancing our AI capabilities across various lines of business. This position is part of a dedicated AI engineering team focused on developing, implementing, and maintaining innovative AI and ML solutions that enhance member experience and operational efficiency. The role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects such as sentiment analysis, agentic AI applications, and GenAI initiatives, contributing to USAA’s reputation as a leader in technological innovation within the financial sector.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the entire machine learning lifecycle, including data preprocessing, model training, API development, and data pipeline construction. This role requires collaboration with data scientists, architects, and business partners to design scalable, reliable, and secure AI solutions. The position can be based in San Antonio, TX, or Plano, TX, with a flexible work environment that requires in-office presence four days a week. Please note that relocation assistance is not provided for this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience (minimum 4 years).
• At least 6 years of experience in machine learning engineering, data engineering, or software development, with a focus on implementing data solutions.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Java.
• Extensive experience with data engineering, including building and optimizing data pipelines, data modeling, and managing data lakes or marts.
• Proven track record of delivering end-to-end AI/ML solutions, including model development, deployment, and operationalization, leveraging ML Ops principles.
• Experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS (e.g., Sagemaker), GCP, or similar environments.
• Strong understanding of data science principles, stochastic modeling, and advanced mathematical techniques.
• Effective communication skills, capable of translating complex technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, including mentoring junior team members and providing technical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with data scientists and business stakeholders to develop and implement machine learning models aligned with organizational goals.
• Provide technical feedback and guidance on ML solutions within the technical lead community, ensuring best practices and high-quality standards.
• Lead the full lifecycle of machine learning projects, from data analysis and solution design to deployment, testing, and ongoing support.
• Configure, manage, and optimize AI/ML infrastructure components across cloud and on-premises environments, including AWS, GCP, and graph databases.
• Work with enterprise architects to influence and define implementation patterns for ML models in complex, scalable environments.
• Design and develop complex technical solutions for AI, GenAI, and machine learning frameworks, including proof of concepts and prototypes for leadership review.
• Mentor team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with AI/ML projects, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulatory standards.

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 coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, pension options, life insurance, and parental leave programs. We also provide adoption assistance, paid time off including holidays and volunteer hours, and various wellness initiatives aimed at promoting a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to professional development is reflected in career path planning, continuing education opportunities, and leadership development programs.

Employees at USAA are encouraged to pursue their personal and professional goals within a supportive environment that values innovation, diversity, and inclusion. For more details on our benefits offerings, please visit our benefits page on our official website.

Equal Opportunity

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to serve our members effectively and fosters a culture of innovation and mutual respect.