Data Scientist

About The Company

Capital One is a leading diversified financial services company renowned for its innovative approach to banking and credit solutions. Established in the late 20th century, the company revolutionized the credit card industry by leveraging statistical modeling and relational databases to personalize offers for consumers. Over the years, Capital One has transformed from a startup disrupting the credit industry into a Fortune 200 enterprise recognized for its data-driven decision-making and technological advancements. With a strong focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence, Capital One continues to expand its footprint across various financial sectors, including credit cards, auto loans, banking, and savings. The company's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and analytics positions it as a pioneer in financial services, dedicated to helping consumers achieve their financial goals while maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.

About The Role

The Senior Associate, Data Scientist within the Model Risk Office at Capital One plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the company's financial integrity through rigorous model validation and risk assessment. This position involves partnering with cross-functional teams comprising data scientists, software engineers, and product managers to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with various predictive and analytical models deployed across the enterprise. The role demands a blend of technical expertise, innovative thinking, and effective communication skills to challenge existing models, validate new ones, and contribute to the development of a robust model governance framework. You will work with a broad spectrum of technologies, including machine learning frameworks, orchestration tools, and data platforms, to analyze billions of customer records, uncover insights, and support strategic decision-making. This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence risk management practices at a large scale, ensuring models are accurate, reliable, and aligned with regulatory standards, ultimately contributing to the company's long-term success and stability.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a strong educational background in quantitative fields such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related disciplines, with a focus on data analytics and modeling. Candidates should have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree with at least two years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree in a similar field. Advanced degrees like a PhD or MBA with a quantitative concentration are highly preferred. Experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS and proficiency in programming languages including Python, R, or Scala for large-scale data analysis are essential. A solid understanding of machine learning techniques, statistical validation, and model governance is required. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with open-source frameworks like PyTorch, Hugging Face, and orchestration tools such as LangChain and Vector Databases. Strong interpersonal skills, analytical mindset, and the ability to communicate complex technical insights to non-technical stakeholders are also critical for success in this role.

Responsibilities

* Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to identify and quantify risks associated with predictive models and analytical tools used across the enterprise.

* Utilize a comprehensive technology stack—including machine learning frameworks, orchestration tools, and observability platforms—to analyze large, multi-modal datasets and extract actionable insights.

* Develop and challenge existing champion models deployed in production, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for accuracy, fairness, and robustness.

* Contribute to the model governance framework by validating models across various business domains, identifying potential risks, and proposing mitigation strategies.

* Prepare and present detailed risk assessments and technical findings to senior management and stakeholders, ensuring clarity and strategic alignment.

* Stay current with emerging technologies and research in data science, machine learning, and risk management to continuously enhance modeling practices and tools.

* Support the development of future capabilities by identifying new modeling techniques, tools, and best practices, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Capital One offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support the well-being of its employees, including competitive health insurance plans, retirement savings options, and wellness programs. The company promotes a flexible work environment that encourages work-life balance, along with professional development opportunities such as training, certifications, and career advancement initiatives. Employees are also eligible for performance-based incentives, including bonuses and long-term incentives, aligned with individual and company performance. Capital One fosters an inclusive culture that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all employees. Additional benefits may include paid time off, parental leave, employee assistance programs, and access to various financial wellness tools. The company is committed to creating a supportive environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.

Equal Opportunity

Capital One is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. The company does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws. Capital One values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the communities it serves. The company also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and those with other needs, ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. Capital One’s commitment to fairness and inclusion is integral to its mission of delivering innovative financial solutions and maintaining a positive, equitable workplace for everyone.