
Data Scientist I
USAA · Tampa, FL
- On site
- Full-time
- $114,080 / year
- Tampa, FL
Email the hiring manager to get a response.
Get their verified email + an intro that's ready to send.
Subject: Interested in the Data Scientist I role at USAA
Hi Alex — I came across the Data Scientist I opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and USAA stood out because…
✎ Personalized to your résumé after sign-up.
- ✓ Verified email of the hiring manager
- ✓ Intro email personalized to your résumé
- ✓ $9/mo = unlimited — any job link
Secure checkout · cancel anytime
Job highlights
- Drive business impact with data-driven solutions.
- Develop scalable machine learning models.
- Utilize AWS, PySpark, and ETL technologies.
- Collaborate with engineering and stakeholders.
- Work in banking/financial services domain.
About the role
About 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. We are proud to support active-duty military spouses. USAA roles may offer remote or hybrid flexibility for active-duty military spouses consistent with applicable policy and business needs.The Opportunity
As a Data Scientist, you will translate complex business challenges into practical, data-driven solutions using statistical analysis, machine learning, simulation, and optimization techniques. Your work will drive meaningful business impact by enabling automation, uncovering revenue opportunities, and reducing risk and operational costs. In partnership with engineering teams, you will design and deliver scalable solutions that support internal decision-making and power customer-facing applications. You will leverage your expertise in databases, cloud platforms, and programming to develop advanced analytical models, while collaborating with peers to enhance internal tools and expand the organization’s library of data science capabilities. Success in this role requires a strong technical foundation and domain expertise within banking and financial services, including an understanding of business processes and risk management practices. You will work across modern data and cloud ecosystems, utilizing tools such as AWS (Redshift, Glue, S3, Lambda), PySpark, and ETL technologies like DataStage and Informatica. Proficiency in Python visualization libraries (Matplotlib, Seaborn, iPython), Git for CI/CD automation, and workflow orchestration tools like Apache Airflow and BMC Control-M is essential. Additionally, experience with data engineering, cloud architecture, and Agile methodologies will support your ability to build, deploy, and maintain reliable models, working closely with model risk management to ensure accuracy and stability before production deployment. 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 not available for this position.What You'll Do
- Gathers, interprets, and manipulates structured and unstructured data to enable advanced analytical solutions for the business.
- Develops scalable, automated solutions using machine learning, simulation, and optimization to deliver business insights and business value.
- Selects the appropriate modeling technique and/or technology with consideration to data limitations, application, and business needs.
- Develops and deploys models within the Model Development Control (MDC) and Model Risk Management (MRM) framework.
- Composes technical documents for knowledge persistence, risk management, and technical review audiences.
- Assesses business needs to propose/recommend analytical and modeling projects to add business value.
- Participates in the prioritization of analytics and modeling problems/research efforts with business and analytics leaders.
- Contributes to the development of a robust library of reusable, production-quality algorithms and supporting code, to ensure model development and research efforts are transparent and based on the highest quality data.
- Translates business request(s) into specific analytical questions, executes on the analysis and/or modeling, and then communicates outcomes to non-technical business colleagues with focus on business action and recommendations.
- Works closely with Data Engineering, IT, the business, and other internal stakeholders to deploy production-ready analytical assets that are aligned with the customer's vision and specifications while being consistent with modeling best practices and model risk management standards.
- Maintains awareness of cutting-edge techniques.
- Actively seeks opportunities and materials to learn new techniques, technologies, and methodologies.
- 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.Experiences That Will Support Your Success
- 4 years of experience in predictive analytics or data analysis OR Advanced Degree (e.g., Master's, PhD) in mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, finance, actuarial sciences, science and engineering, or other similar quantitative discipline and 2 years of experience in predictive analytics or data analysis.
- 2 years of experience in training and validating statistical, physical, machine learning, and other advanced analytics models.
- 2 years of experience in one or more dynamic scripted language (such as Python, R, etc.) for performing statistical analyses and/or building and scoring AI/ML models.
- Experience writing code that is easy to follow, well documented, and commented where necessary to explain logic (high code transparency).
- Experience in querying and preprocessing data from structured and/or unstructured databases using query languages such as SQL, HQL, NoSQL, etc.
- Experience in working with structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data files such as delimited numeric data files, JSON/XML files, and/or text documents, images, etc.
- Experience in performing ad-hoc analytics using descriptive, diagnostic, and inferential statistics.
- Ability to assess regulatory implications and expectations of distinct modeling efforts.
- Experience with the concepts and technologies associated with classical supervised modeling for prediction such as linear/logistic regression, discriminant analysis, support vector machines, decision trees, forest models, etc.
- Experience with the concepts and technologies associated with unsupervised modeling such as k-means clustering, hierarchical/agglomerative clustering, neighbors algorithms, DBSCAN, etc.
- Experience communicating analytical and modeling results to non-technical business partners with emphasis on business recommendations and actionable applications of results.
What Sets You Apart
- US military experience through military service or a military spouse/domestic partner
- Strong technical foundation with domain expertise in banking and financial services, including knowledge of business processes and risk management practices
- Experience working across modern data and cloud ecosystems, including AWS services (Redshift, Glue, S3, Lambda) and PySpark
- Hands-on experience with ETL tools such as DataStage and Informatica
- Proficiency in Python visualization libraries (Matplotlib, Seaborn, iPython)
- Experience with Git and CI/CD automation practices
- Familiarity with workflow orchestration tools like Apache Airflow and BMC Control-M
- Knowledge of data engineering principles and cloud architecture
- Experience working in Agile environments and methodologies
- Ability to build, deploy, and maintain reliable models, partnering with model risk management to ensure accuracy and stability before production deployment.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation range: The salary range for this position is: $114,080 - $218,030. USAA does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Please do not apply for this role if at any time (now or in the future) you will need immigration support (i.e., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT Training Plans, etc.). 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.Key skills/competency
Data Scientist, Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis, Python, AWS, SQL, Data Engineering, Model Development, Risk Management, Financial Services.Skills & topics
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning
- Statistical Analysis
- Python
- AWS
- SQL
- Data Engineering
- Model Development
- Financial Services
- Banking
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight quantitative skills, machine learning, and financial services experience.
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize proficiency in Python, SQL, AWS, and data modeling.
- Demonstrate domain knowledge: Articulate understanding of banking, risk, and business processes.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Practice coding, statistics, and machine learning problem-solving.
- Research USAA's values: Align your application with their focus on service and integrity.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What specific technical skills are most crucial for a Data Scientist at USAA?
- For a Data Scientist role at USAA, strong proficiency in Python for statistical analysis and ML model building is essential. Experience with SQL for data querying, AWS services (like Redshift, Glue, S3, Lambda), and PySpark for big data processing are highly valued. Familiarity with ETL tools such as DataStage and Informatica, along with Python visualization libraries and Git for CI/CD, will significantly support your application.
- What is the expected work arrangement for a Data Scientist at USAA?
- This Data Scientist position at USAA offers a hybrid work environment, requiring individuals to be in the office 4 days per week. This structure balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.
- Does USAA offer visa sponsorship for the Data Scientist role?
- No, USAA does not provide visa sponsorship for this Data Scientist position. Candidates who require immigration support now or in the future should not apply.
- What is the typical career path for a Data Scientist at USAA?
- USAA offers robust career path planning and continuing education opportunities. As a Data Scientist, you can advance by developing expertise in advanced analytics, leading complex projects, mentoring junior scientists, and contributing to the expansion of the organization’s data science capabilities, potentially moving into senior or lead roles.
- How does USAA handle model risk management for Data Scientists?
- USAA integrates model development and deployment within a strict Model Development Control (MDC) and Model Risk Management (MRM) framework. Data Scientists work closely with model risk management teams to ensure the accuracy, stability, and regulatory compliance of models before they are deployed to production.
- What kind of business impact can a Data Scientist expect to make at USAA?
- As a Data Scientist at USAA, your work will directly contribute to significant business impact by enabling automation, uncovering revenue opportunities, and reducing risk and operational costs. You'll translate complex business challenges into practical, data-driven solutions that power internal decision-making and customer-facing applications.
- Are there specific domain expertise requirements for this Data Scientist role at USAA?
- Yes, a strong technical foundation combined with domain expertise in banking and financial services is a key requirement. This includes an understanding of business processes and risk management practices relevant to the financial industry.
Similar roles
Open positions we recommend based on this role.
Mid-Level Decision Science Analyst
USAA · Tampa, Florida, United States
Decision Science Analyst - Intermediate Level
USAA · Tampa, Florida, United States
Decision Science Analyst - Intermediate Level
USAA · Tampa, Florida, United States
Decision Science Analyst I (Mid-Level) – Life Company Data and Analytics
USAA · Plano, TX
P&C Product Management Analyst - Competitive Intelligence
USAA · Tampa, FL
