Walmart

(USA) Principal, Data Scientist

Walmart$143K — $286K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field; or 7 years' experience in analytics.
  • Expertise in machine learning algorithms and deep learning techniques.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and SQL.
  • Experience with AI/ML inference and MLOps for scalable solutions.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS for model deployment.
  • Proven ability to mentor teams and drive collaboration across functions.
  • Strong skills in turning complex business problems into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and deployment of ML models for Search and Personalization.
  • Develop scalable algorithms using modern ML and deep learning techniques.
  • Apply Generative AI to enhance product discovery.
  • Collaborate with Product and Engineering to create scalable AI solutions.
  • Define evaluation frameworks and experimentation strategies.
  • Influence technical architecture for AI strategies in Search.
  • Mentor senior scientists and establish best practices for development.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance including medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • 401(k) plan with company contributions.
  • Paid time off including parental and bereavement leave.
  • Company-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability.
  • Employee discounts and military leave pay.
  • Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
  • Educational benefits covering tuition and fees for various programs.
Full Job Description
Position Summary...

What you'll do...
Role summary:

The Principal Data Scientist will lead the design, development, and deployment of AI-powered Search and Personalization solutions that serve millions of customers across global eCommerce platforms. This role combines deep expertise in machine learning, information retrieval, recommendation systems, and generative AI to solve complex customer discovery problems. You will partner closely with Product, Engineering, and Applied AI teams to define technical strategy, influence architecture, mentor senior scientists, and deliver scalable ML systems that improve customer experience and business outcomes.
What you'll do:
  • Lead the design and deployment of ML models for Search, Ranking, Recommendations, and Personalization.
  • Develop scalable retrieval, ranking, and recommendation algorithms using modern ML and deep learning techniques.
  • Apply Generative AI and Large Language Models to improve search relevance, product discovery, and customer experiences.
  • Partner with Product and Engineering to translate ambiguous business problems into scalable AI solutions.
  • Define experimentation strategies, offline evaluation frameworks, A/B testing, and success metrics.
  • Drive technical architecture and influence long-term AI strategy across Search and Personalization.
  • Mentor senior scientists and establish best practices for development, experimentation, and production deployment.
  • Collaborate across engineering, platform, and data teams to operationalize models at global scale.

What you'll bring:
  • Extensive experience in machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and advanced statistical analysis to develop and validate predictive models.
  • Proficiency in programming languages including Python and SQL, with strong coding and testing capabilities.
  • Expertise in AI/ML inference, MLOps, and solution design to deploy scalable data science solutions.
  • Strong understanding of data ecosystems, data quality standards, and data governance principles.
  • Ability to translate complex business problems into analytical models and actionable insights.
  • Proven leadership in mentoring teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.
  • Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS SageMaker for model deployment and monitoring.


At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.

You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.

For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.

Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.

For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.

The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00 - $286,000.00

Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :

- Stock








Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelors degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 5 years' experience in an analytics related field. Option 2: Masters degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 3 years' experience in an analytics related field. Option 3: 7 years' experience in an analytics or related field

Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Data science, machine learning, optimization models, PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Information Technology, Operations Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, Publications or active peer reviewer in related journals or conference, Successful completion of one or more assessments in Python, Spark, Scala, or R, Using open source frameworks (for example, scikit learn, tensorflow, torch), We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart's accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture.

Primary Location...

815 Eleventh Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-4731, United States of America

About Walmart

WalmartLabs is accelerating their development to redefine the shopping experience to meet the changing needs of our customers wherever they are —in a store, on our website, or on their mobile device.

Walmart Careers

Joining Walmart means becoming part of a world-renowned team that leads with innovation and is committed to creating impact. As the largest retailer globally, Walmart offers unparalleled job opportunities and career growth in an environment that values diversity and leadership. Work You’ll Do At Walmart, you will be part of a dynamic team that drives our mission to help people save money so they can live better. Engage in work that matters with a company that offers both stability and the flexibility to explore different career paths. Transform the retail landscape with your skills and help shape the future of millions of customers worldwide. Walmart is at the forefront of combining retail with advanced technology, making it an exciting place for professional growth and innovation. Lead with Us Step into a role that harnesses your potential and places you at the intersection of retail and technology. Walmart is not just a company; it's a community where you can develop your leadership skills and contribute to a culture that nurtures professional growth. Work with a diverse team of experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that all team members are valued and can thrive. Walmart Careers and Employment Opportunities We are continuously expanding our team to include enthusiastic professionals eager to drive change and make a significant impact. Explore a range of positions from entry-level to executive, each offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to advance. Innovate with Us Join Walmart and be part of a team that is dedicated to innovation and excellence. With over 2.3 million associates worldwide, you are joining the largest private employment group, ready to innovate, lead, and impact the global market. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Walmart internship. Gain invaluable experience, build your resume, and develop networking connections that will empower your career journey. Our internships provide a platform to apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, preparing you for future employment. Be Part of a Great Team At Walmart, our team is our strength. We invest in our employees through robust training programs, leadership development, and opportunities for career advancement. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive and inclusive environment where every member’s contribution is valued. Future-Proof Your Career Your journey at Walmart can be as vast as your ambitions. With endless opportunities to grow, learn, and lead, you can take your professional experience to new heights. Benefit from our comprehensive training programs and develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the diverse job opportunities at Walmart and find where you can make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Walmart. SEARCH WALMART JOBS Join Walmart today and be part of a story of growth, innovation, and leadership.
Learn more about Walmart
Size
2,300 employees
Market Cap
$387 billion
Industry
Net Income
$13.5 billion
Founded
1962
5 Year Trend
+3.3%
Revenue
$559.1 billion
NASDAQ

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