Group Director, Software Engineering - Applied AI

Walmart; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 254,000 - 481,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits including medical, eye

Dental coverage

401(k) and stock purchase plans

Paid time off and family leave

Education benefits with Live Better U

Job summary

Walmart seeks a Group Director of Software Engineering - Applied AI to lead a high-caliber applied AI team responsible for building foundational models powering Walmart’s critical consumer-facing and enterprise products.

You will define the vision, strategy, and execution for scalable AI platforms, collaborating with product, engineering, and business leaders to deliver significant business value across Search, Personalization, Sponsored Ads, and Supply Chain Forecasting.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, Mathematics, or a highly quantitative field.
• 8+ years of experience directly managing and scaling high-performing data science and ML engineering teams, with at least 3+ years managing managers.
• Proven track record of designing, training, and deploying deep learning models in production at massive scale.
• Deep understanding of distributed training frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Define the multi-year roadmap for Walmart’s Commerce Foundational Models.
• Lead a world-class team of Applied AI researchers, ML engineers, and data scientists.
• Partner with product, engineering, and business leaders to ensure foundational models are integrated and deliver business value.
• Serve as the primary champion for foundational models within Walmart Global Tech.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Deep learning

Distributed training

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science/ML/Math

8+ years managing data science/ML engineering teams

3+ years managing managers

PhD in CS/ML (preferred)

Job description

Group Director, Software Engineering - Applied AI

Sunnyvale, CA

Group Director, Software Engineering - Applied AI

Sunnyvale, CA

Group Director, Software Engineering - Applied AI

Sunnyvale, CA

Group Director, Software Engineering - Applied AI

Multiple locations

Bentonville, AR: $195,000 - $370,000/yr

Sunnyvale, CA: $254,000 - $481,000/yr

Regular/ Permanent

Bentonville, AR: $195,000 - $370,000/yr

Sunnyvale, CA: $254,000 - $481,000/yr

Regular/ Permanent

Position Summary...

What you'll do...

Position Summary...

What you'll do...

Role summary:
AstheGroupDirector,AppliedAI&Engineeringyouwillleadanelite,high-caliberappliedAIandengineeringteamdedicatedtobuildingWalmart’snext-generationintelligencelayer. Youwillberesponsibleforthevision,strategy,andexecutionoflarge-scalefoundationalmodelstrainedonourmassive,multi-modaldatasetencompassingbillionsofcustomertouchpoints,transactionhistories,searchqueriesetc. YourmodelswillserveastheAIenginepoweringcriticalconsumerfacingandenterpriseproductsacrossWalmart’secosystem,includingSearch,Personalization,SponsoredAds,ConversationalCommerce,andSupplyChainForecasting About the team:
The AI and Data organization integrates key capabilities to leverage AI and data as strategic assets across Walmart. It develops and manages shared platforms, intelligence, and decision systems that enhance customer experiences, empower associates, and deliver measurable business outcomes. Within this organization, the Retail Intelligence group focuses on creating and deploying scalable AI models and services that efficiently bring advanced AI capabilities to Walmart’s products and operations. The team collaborates closely with stakeholders to drive data strategy, machine learning innovation, and business insights, supporting Walmart’s commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. What you'll do:

• KeyResponsibilities TechnicalVision&Strategy:Definethemulti-yearroadmapforWalmart’sCommerceFoundationalModels.Drivetheparadigmshiftfromsiloed,domain-specificmodelstounified,multi-taskgenerativearchitectures
• High-ScaleEngineeringLeadership:Leadaworld-classteamofAppliedAIResearchers,MachineLearningEngineers,andDataScientists.
• HorizontalCollaboration&Influence:Partnercloselywithproduct,engineering,andbusinessleadersacrossSearch,Ads,Personalization,andCustomerExperiencetoensurefoundationalmodelsareseamlesslyintegrated,deliveringmassivebusinessvalue.
• Evangelism&Adoption:ServeastheprimarychampionforfoundationalmodelswithinWalmartGlobalTech.

What you'll bring:

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’sdegreeinComputerScience,MachineLearning,Statistics,Mathematics,orahighlyquantitativefield.
• 8+yearsofexperiencedirectlymanagingandscalinghigh-performingdatascienceandMLengineeringteams,withatleast3+yearsmanagingmanagers.
• Proventrackrecordofdesigning,training,anddeployingdeeplearningmodelsinproductionatmassivescale
• Deepunderstandingofdistributedtrainingframeworks

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D.inCS,ML,orrelatedfieldwithastrongpublicationrecordintop-tierAI/MLconferences
• DomainExpertiseinRecSysandexperiencebuildingGenerativeRecommenders,HierarchicalSequentialTransducers(HSTU)orsequence-basedmodelsforuserbehaviorrepresentation
• Deepknowledgeoflow-latencyinferenceoptimizationtechniques,real-timeretrieval

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 .

Sunnyvale, California US-11656: The annual salary range for this position is $254,000.00 - $481,000.00

Bentonville, Arkansas US-30003: The annual salary range for this position is $195,000.00 - $370,000.00 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: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 8 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.
Option 2: 10 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.
5 years’ supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications...

Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 6 years' experience in software engineering or related area, 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...

1375 Crossman Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1114, United States of America

Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

Walmart is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

Benefits you’ll enjoy

• Discount Card
• Get 10% off
• Walmart associates are eligible for a 10% discount card on most regular-priced items and fresh produce in-store and on select items at Walmart.com. Eligible after 90 days of employment.
• Live Better U
• 100% covered
• Earn a degree or in-demand skills certificates with no debt- Walmart covers 100% of tuition and books. Live Better U offers 60+ programs for Associates to pursue their dreams.
• Ready to grow your career? Walmart Academy offers job-specific retail training and leadership courses to help Associates reach their career goals.
• Enjoy 401(k) matching and stock purchase plans.
• Paid time off
• Take a break as needed for vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and more
• Medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs for you and your family
• Access mental health resources and assistance programs for life’s challenges
• Training, leadership programs, and clear paths to advance.

Imagine a workplace surrounded by innovation.At Walmart’s new Home Office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we’re redefining what it means to work at a global leader.

Set on 350 acres of thoughtfully revitalized land, our new campus seamlessly integrates the charm of Northwest Arkansas with cutting edge design and technology. From biking trails and outdoor courtyards to flexible, tech-enabled workspaces, every detail reflects our commitment to sustainability, connection, and culture.

With amenities like on-site childcare at our Little Squiggles Children’s Enrichment Center, the Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness Center, and a vibrant food hall featuring local and international favorites, we’re creating a space where work-life balance isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality.

Beyond the campus, Bentonville offers a dynamic lifestyle with world-class dining, art at the Crystal Bridges Museum, and countless outdoor activities.

Whether you’re exploring High South cuisine, enjoying live performances at our new amphitheater, or cycling the Razorback Greenway, you’ll experience the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities.

Join us at Walmart and grow your career alongside a community that feels like home.

This isn’t just a workplace—it’s a destination for leaders eager to make a difference.