Lead Model Validation Specialist

Why USAA?

Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience If you are a good match, make an application.

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

We are seeking a skilled individual to execute comprehensive model risk validation oversight for the lifecycle management of models. This includes conducting thorough model validation activities and ensuring adherence to written risk and compliance policies and procedures. The role requires strict independence from model stewards (e.g., model owners, developers, implementers, users) throughout all stages of the model's lifecycle, from development to ongoing maintenance.

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 :

Implement independent model validation control activities for high risk in-house and vendor models.

Leverage expert technical approaches to develop and implement validation testing plans.

Replicate model development and may develop challenger models through predictive modeling, machine learning, deep learning, time-series modeling / forecasting, stress testing, heuristic models, actuarial models, simulation, optimization, and / or other highly specialized techniques.

Conduct and develop plans for model testing and data quality assessments for models using various types of datasets including those employing large datasets and unstructured datasets.

Review at an extensive experience level the end-to-end life-cycle management of model development, implementation, ongoing monitoring, and use in areas of Banking and Insurance (Property & Casualty and Life) along with their corresponding business support functions and operational processes.

Assess model inherent risk ratings, model declassifications applications, the materiality of model changes, and conducts model change validations for all types models. Oversee and advises the model validation work of peers.

Produce and deliver validation reports and related validation work to model validation management, model partners, senior leadership, and others.

Implement the model validation process aligned with the risk and compliance policies and procedures. Evaluate model risk control strengths around model development, implementation, and use. Professionally develop on emerging modeling techniques and approaches.

What you have :

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field, such as Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or a Related Field with Core Quantitative Curriculum. Four additional years of related experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted in lieu of a degree.

Minimum 6 years' related work experience in model validation, model development, statistical analysis, and / or advanced quantitative research OR Advanced degree (e.g., Master's, PhD) in a quantitative field, such as Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or Related Field with Core Quantitative Curriculum and 4 years' related work experience in model validation, model development, statistical analysis, and / or advanced quantitative research.

Experience driving communication verbally and in writing quantitative / technical concepts and conclusions to non-technical audiences, senior leadership, auditors, and / or regulators.

Strong programming skills in R, Python, SAS, Java, C, SQL, and / or other comparable programming languages for the iterative methodological tenants of model and algorithm development including setting model specifications, assumption testing, data quality assessments, variable selection, back-testing, benchmarking, and other robust model testing.

Extensive Experience with at least three of the following statistical, econometric, data science, and predictive modeling approaches : Unsupervised Learning; K-Means; Linear Regression; Time-Series / Forecasting; Stress Testing; Logistic Regression; Gaussian Process; Simulation Models; Boosting / Bagging Trees; Neural Networks; Deep Learning Concepts; Bayesian Estimators.

Strong business context knowledge in operational and support functions of Banking and / or Insurance as well as associated modeling and analytics knowledge.

What sets you apart :

Experience in developing / validating Artificial Intelligence Models (including Generative AI) for use in Large Financial Institutions in accordance with Federal Reserve Guidance on Model Risk Management (SR 11-7).

Working knowledge of Data engineering, understanding the key concepts, tools, and practices involved in designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure.

Provisioning, configuring, and managing cloud resources, including compute, storage, networking, and databases on both Azure and GCP

Experience with Disparate Impact / Bias testing.

Compensation range : The salary range for this position is : $127,310.00 - $243,340.00 .

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.