Director, Data Scientist - Fraud Transactions

Company: USAA
Location: Phoenix
Posted on: July 14, 2025

Job Description:

Why 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. The Opportunity The Director of Fraud Transaction Data Science will lead the development and implementation of advanced analytical models to predict, detect, and mitigate fraud losses stemming from a wide range of banking transactions. This includes credit and debit card transactions, checks, deposits, and digital money movement activities such as wire transfers, ACH payments, and Zelle transactions for USAA Bank. This critical leadership role will lead all aspects of a team of approximately 16 data scientist and external contractors, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and strategic direction. The Director will be a key partner with fraud operations, technology, and business stakeholders to drive innovation and continuously improve fraud prevention capabilities. The key responsibilities of this leader will be to: Develop and continuously update transaction models to mitigate fraud losses and negative member experience from fraud Closely partner with Strategies team, Fraud Model Management and Model Users on model builds and priorities Collaborate with Technology and other key stakeholders to deploy tools vital for model execution, and integrate new data sources for models to augment predictive power and improve business performance Drive continuous innovation in modeling efforts including advanced techniques like Generative AI Coach and mentor the team, establishing a culture of R&D and learning to augment the day-to-day aspects of the job Support ad-hoc analytics requests from Financial Crimes leadership to investigate emerging threats, assess the impact of fraud events, and inform strategic decision-making 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: Acts as advanced analytics leader with vision and advisor to the business to craft strategies that drive competitiveness and differentiation. Influences business, data, and technology leaders to invest, sustain and expand advanced analytical capabilities by actively participating in strategy, planning, and budgeting exercises. Leads and develops team to build and deploy various advanced analytical solutions in an agile and collaborative environment across business, data, and technology organizations. Enables team’s success by simplifying processes across the model development lifecycle and driving automation. Identifies, scopes, and manages sophisticated analytical projects in collaboration with business stakeholders, often translating results to non-technical business executives. Champions and manages efforts to deliver business insights via scalable, automated solutions using machine learning, simulation, and optimization. Responsible for ensuring all modeling and machine learning solutions adhere to industry standards, model risk policy, and regulatory expectations. Partners with enterprise analytical and IT teams to build USAA core capabilities and processes. Identifies additional resource needs ranging from IT investments, 3rd party support or additional analysts. Builds and leads all aspects of a team of Data Scientists through ongoing execution of recruiting, development, retention, coaching and support, performance management, and managerial activities. 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 field; 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. 8 years in predictive modeling, model governance, machine learning and large data analysis., OR Advanced Degree (e.g., Master’s, PhD) in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related quantitative STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field and 6 years in predictive modeling, model governance, machine learning and large data analysis. 3 years of direct management experience. Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to interpret and translate complex technical information to diverse audiences. Experience with various languages, applications, and technologies (such as SQL, Python, R, Spark, Hadoop etc.) commonly associated with delivery of Data Science solutions. Experience in developing and reviewing modeling solutions based on broad range of techniques – e.g., linear and logistic regressions, time series methods, survival analysis, support vector machines, neural networks, decision trees, random forests, gradient-boosting methods, deep learning, k-means and other clustering methods, simulation methods, or other advanced techniques. Demonstrated ability to apply standard methodologies in modeling and machine learning techniques to solve business problems. Demonstrated ability to write and review complex technical documentation, communicate modeling insights and technical details to business leaders, technical and non-technical audiences. A strong track record of presenting results, insights, and technical solutions to Senior Executive Management (or equivalent). Deep technical skills, consulting experience, and business savvy to collaborate with all levels and disciplines within the organization. What sets you apart: Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a quantitative field such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related discipline is highly preferred, or equivalent experience demonstrating strong quantitative and analytical skills 10 years of experience in data science or analytics, with a focus on fraud prevention or risk management 5 years of experience leading and managing a team of data scientists or analysts Proven track record of developing and implementing successful machine learning models for fraud detection. Deep understanding of neural networks, ensemble learning, and Generative AI techniques is a plus Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R, or Java Experience working with large datasets and distributed computing platforms (e.g.,Hadoop, Spark, Snowflake) Excellent communication, presentation, organization and interpersonal skills Deep understanding of banking operations and payment systems US military experience through military service or a military spouse/domestic partner Compensation range: The salary range for this position is: $189,370 - $340,860 . 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.

Keywords: USAA, Goodyear , Director, Data Scientist - Fraud Transactions, Accounting, Auditing , Phoenix, Arizona