Model Validator Lead - Life Model Validation Team

Why USAA?
Let's do something that really matters.
At USAA, we have an important mission: facilitating the financial security of millions of U.S. military members and their families. Not all of our employees served in our nation's military, but we all share in the mission to give back to those who did. We're working as one to build a great experience and make a real impact for our members.
We believe in our core values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and service. They're what guides everything we do - from how we treat our members to how we treat each other. Come be a part of what makes us so special!
The Opportunity
As a dedicated Model Validator Leadfor theLife Model Validation Team, you will execute 2nd Line of Defense Model Risk Validation Oversight for the life-cycle management of models for high risk and highly complex models. Executes the Model Validation oversight process compliant with the written risk and compliance policies and procedures which require independence from model stewards (e.g., model owners, developers, implementers, users, and other stakeholders) throughout the lifecycle of the model's use and maintenance.
We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. The preferred office locations are San Antonio, TX or Plano, TX, however, this role can be based in one of the following office locations as well: Phoenix, AZ, Colorado Springs, CO, Charlotte, NC, Chesapeake, VA, or Tampa, FL. Relocation assistance is available for this position.
What you'll do:

• Oversees and conducts independent second line of defense Model Validation activities for high visibility, critical and/or specialized models. Utilizes expert business and technical model and Model Validation knowledge to conduct highly specialized validation activities for models that leverage cutting edge techniques that require specialized credentials, and models that have higher enterprise visibility and risk.
• Leverages specialized technical approaches to develop, implement, and execute validation testing plans for models that require expert Model Validation knowledge and skills.
• Leads the team in developing challenger models and/or replicating model development through predictive modeling, machine learning, deep learning, time-series modeling/forecasting, stress testing, heuristic models, actuarial models, simulation, optimization, and/or other techniques including models that require specialized skills.
• Develops plans, reviews peers' plans and provides feedback on model tests and data quality assessments for models using various types of datasets including those leveraging large datasets and unstructured datasets.
• Reviews at a subject matter expert 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.
• Responsible for assessing model inherent risk ratings, model declassifications applications, materiality of model changes, and other reviews of models as part of Model Validation-related governance processes.
• Produces and delivers validation reports and related validation work to Model Validation management, model stakeholders, senior leadership, and others for high visibility, critical and/or specialized models. Provides review of validation work produced by peers in preparation of report issuance.
• Reports validation results and model risk trends/metrics to EMRM leadership.
• Executes the independent Model Validation process compliant with the written risk and compliance policies and procedures at a subject matter expert level. Evaluates model risk control strengths around model development, implementation, and use as it pertains to elements of model conceptual soundness, modeling methodology, model limitations, data quality, ongoing monitoring, and other more complex elements of the Model Validation process.
• Interacts with internal and external peers for awareness and applicability of cutting-edge techniques, technologies, and potential business solutions while continuing to professionally develop and knowledge share emerging modeling techniques and approaches.
• Ensure 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 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.
• 8 years of 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 6 years of related work experience in Model Validation, model development, statistical analysis, and/or advanced quantitative research.
• Strong experience communicating complex quantitative/technical concepts and conclusions to 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. Subject Matter Depth and Breadth with at least four 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.
• Business and industry acumen in modeling governance techniques and approaches.
• Experience sharing modeling governance technical expertise and guidance with peers.

What sets you apart:

• Life Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA).
• Experience with AXIS software.
• Experience with developing models or model risk validation.

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.
What we offer:
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. The salary range for this position is: $132,500.00 - $253,220.00.
Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.
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, please 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.