Principal Data Scientist (Credit Risk for Small Business and Commercial)

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.

Regarded as an advanced professional in the data science field. Conduct complex work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment. Mentor lower level staff.

Provide strategic data science, machine learning, and advanced analytics leadership to inform mission-critical decisions across the organization, with a primary focus on small business lending. Leverage small business credit, application, financial statement, cash flow, transaction, and performance data to shape underwriting, risk segmentation, pricing, portfolio management, and the end-to-end member lending experience.

Partner with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to identify high-impact opportunities, influence product and credit strategies, and translate complex data into scalable analytical solutions, actionable insights, and measurable business outcomes. Advance the organization’s analytical capabilities through descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive modeling and the responsible application of leading data science techniques.

Operate as a trusted advisor and advanced practitioner, leading complex initiatives with broad independent judgment and developing analytical talent across the team.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience with requisite competencies
• 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 or doctoral degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related quantitative discipline
• Demonstrated success applying data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics to small business banking, commercial lending, or small business lending strategies
• Deep experience designing and implementing analytical solutions across the lending lifecycle, including originations, underwriting, credit decisioning, pricing, account management, portfolio monitoring, and collections
• Strong command of small business credit risk, cash flow underwriting, commercial credit data, financial statements, transaction data, and alternative data sources
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and partner across lending product, credit risk, underwriting, operations, and model risk to translate analytical insights into strategic business decisions
• Additional Information
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
• Location: 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evaluate large and complex predictive models and advanced algorithms
• Test hypotheses/models, analyze, and interpret results
• Develop actionable insights and recommendations
• Develop and code complex software programs, algorithms, and automated processes
• Use evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select right course of action
• Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of information requires evaluation of identifiable factors
• Produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from complex and high-dimensional datasets
• Transform data into charts, tables, or format that aids effective decision making
• Utilize effective written and verbal communication to document analyses and present findings analyses to a diverse audience of stakeholders
• Develop and maintain strong working  relationships with team members, subject matter experts, and leaders
• Lead moderate to large projects and initiatives
• Model best practices and ethical AI
• Works with senior management on complex issues
• Assist with the development and enhancement practices, procedures, and instructions
• Serve as technical resource for other team members
• Mentor lower levels