AI Data Solutions Scientist

About the role

About The Company

USAA is a leading financial services organization dedicated to serving the unique needs of military members 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 rooted in core values such as honesty, integrity, loyalty, and service, which guide our interactions with members and colleagues alike. USAA is committed to creating a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion, offering flexible work arrangements including remote and hybrid options, especially for active-duty military spouses. Our organization continually strives to be the preferred choice for the military community by delivering innovative solutions and maintaining high standards of excellence.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled AI Data Solutions Scientist to join our Technology organization. In this role, you will be an integral part of our Data Science team, working collaboratively with architecture, engineering, and product teams to drive transformation across our operations and customer experiences. Your primary focus will be on developing scalable, automated analytical solutions that leverage both structured and unstructured data. You will utilize a broad spectrum of techniques, including simulation, optimization, machine learning, and cutting-edge AI technologies such as large language models and generative AI frameworks. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of AI innovation within the financial services industry, contributing to impactful projects that enhance member value and operational efficiency. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and effective communication to translate complex data insights into actionable business recommendations.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field; or 4 years of relevant experience.

6+ years of experience in predictive analytics or data analysis, or an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a related discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience.

Proven experience in training and validating statistical, physical, machine learning, and advanced analytics models.

Extensive experience with Python for statistical analysis and AI/ML model development and deployment.

Strong proficiency in querying and preprocessing data using SQL, NoSQL, HQL, or similar languages.

Expertise in classical supervised modeling techniques such as linear and logistic regression, decision trees, support vector machines, and ensemble methods.

Experience with unsupervised learning methods including clustering algorithms like k-means, hierarchical clustering, and density-based clustering.

Deep understanding of large language models, prompt engineering, multi-agent systems, and frameworks such as LangChain, VertexAI, or MCP.

Experience with MLOps and deploying AI solutions in cloud environments like AWS or GCP.

Excellent communication skills for translating technical findings into business insights and recommendations.

Experience mentoring junior data scientists and collaborating across teams.

Responsibilities

Gather, interpret, and manipulate both structured and unstructured data to enable advanced analytics solutions.

Develop scalable, automated models using machine learning, simulation, and optimization techniques to generate actionable insights.

Select appropriate modeling techniques considering data limitations and business requirements.

Develop, validate, and deploy models within established risk management and model development frameworks.

Document technical processes and models for knowledge sharing, risk management, and review purposes.

Assess business needs to propose analytics projects that add value and align with strategic goals.

Collaborate with business leaders to prioritize analytics efforts and research initiatives.

Build and maintain a library of reusable, high-quality algorithms and supporting codebases.

Translate complex business questions into analytical problems, execute analyses, and communicate results effectively to non-technical stakeholders.

Manage project timelines, identify risks, and escalate issues as needed to ensure successful delivery.

Establish best practices for deploying models in production environments in partnership with Data Engineering and IT teams.

Stay current with emerging AI and data science techniques, incorporating new methodologies into projects.

Mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.

Participate in internal communities to promote data science innovation and best practices.

Ensure all activities comply with risk and compliance policies, effectively managing associated risks.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

401(k) retirement plan with company matching.

Pension plan and life insurance coverage.

Parental leave and adoption assistance programs.

Paid time off, including holidays and volunteer hours.

Wellness programs focused on physical, mental, and emotional health.

Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.

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 origin, disability, or veteran status. We believe in fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our mission of serving the military community with integrity and excellence.