Principal Data Scientist, Credit Risk – Small Business, Commercial

Navy Federal Credit Union

. Provide strategic data science, machine learning, and advanced analytics leadership focused primarily on small business lending .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeVienna • Virginia • United StatesLead💰 $128,500 - $164,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in data science, machine learning, and advanced analytics with a focus on small business lending. Proficient in developing predictive models and translating complex data into actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Data Science LeadershipMachine Learning ExpertisePredictive ModelingSQL ProficiencyTechnical Writing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data MiningData AuditingData VisualizationProgrammingData ModelingSimulationAdvanced MathematicsModel DevelopmentStatistical AnalysisCritical Thinking

Soft Skills

Problem SolvingIndependent JudgmentResearch SkillsData StorytellingTechnical Presentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

SQLRPythonHadoopSASSPSSScalaAWS

Industry Keywords

Small Business LendingCredit RiskCash Flow UnderwritingCommercial Credit DataBank Secrecy Act

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSHadoopPythonScalaSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic data science, machine learning, and advanced analytics leadership focused primarily on small business lending
Leverage small business credit, application, financial statement, cash flow, transaction, and performance data
Inform underwriting, risk segmentation, pricing, portfolio management, and the end-to-end member lending experience
Identify high-impact opportunities with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders
Influence product and credit strategies
Translate complex data into scalable analytical solutions, actionable insights, and measurable business outcomes
Design, develop, and evaluate large and complex predictive models and advanced algorithms
Test hypotheses and models, analyze results, and develop recommendations
Develop and code complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes
Produce innovative solutions through exploratory analysis of complex, high-dimensional datasets
Transform data into charts, tables, and formats that support decision-making
Document analyses and present findings to diverse stakeholders
Lead moderate to large projects and initiatives
Model best practices and ethical AI
Work with senior management on complex issues
Serve as a technical resource and mentor lower-level staff
Advance analytical capabilities through descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive modeling

Requirements

What you’ll need

6+ years of experience with requisite competencies
Complete knowledge and full understanding of specialization
Knowledge of statistics, machine learning, data mining, data auditing, aggregation, reconciliation, and visualization
Knowledge of programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics
Proficiency with SQL, R, Python, Hadoop, SAS, SPSS, Scala, and AWS
Model lifecycle execution
Technical writing
Data storytelling and technical presentation skills
Research skills
Advanced knowledge of procedures, instructions, and validation techniques
Model development
Critical thinking and problem solving
Independent judgment and sound judgment
Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or similar quantitative fields
Adherence to Navy Federal policies and procedures and regulations pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act
Desired: Master’s or doctoral degree in a quantitative discipline
Desired: Experience applying data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics to small business banking, commercial lending, or small business lending strategies
Desired: Experience designing analytical solutions across the lending lifecycle
Desired: Strong command of small business credit risk, cash flow underwriting, commercial credit data, financial statements, transaction data, and alternative data sources
Desired: Ability to influence senior leaders and partner across lending product, credit risk, underwriting, operations, and model risk

Benefits

Comp & perks

Highly competitive pay
Generous benefits and perks
Meaningful career experience
Culture that is energized, engaged and committed
Fierce appreciation for teams
Equal employment opportunity
Medical accommodations and assistance during the application or hiring process