Principal, Data Scientist at Walmart Inc. Bentonville, AR

Walmart Inc.; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Stock options

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Walmart Inc. is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to lead AI/ML development and deployment across Walmart’s operations. You will design innovative algorithms, tackle large-scale data challenges, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive measurable business outcomes.

The role emphasizes scalable cloud solutions, state-of-the-art frameworks, and strong leadership to mentor others while delivering high-impact results at Walmart.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in a related field with strong AI/ML foundations.
• 10+ years in software development and data science focusing on AI/ML.
• Proven experience with Python, C++, CUDA, TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end AI/ML projects from ideation to deployment.
• Design scalable cloud-based ML solutions on GCP or similar.
• Develop novel algorithms for large-scale data challenges.
• Build parallel compute environments for CPU/GPU workloads.
• Collaborate with engineering, business and operations teams.
• Advocate CI/CD, testing and documentation practices.
• Mentor junior data scientists and foster innovation.

Skills

Python

C++

CUDA

TensorFlow

PyTorch

NumPy

Pandas

GCP

Terraform

Pyspark

Scala

NLP

Computer Vision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Terraform

Cloud platforms (GCP)

APIs

Job description

What you'll do at

Position Summary...

What you'll do...

Job Summary:

As a Principal Data Scientist, you will lead the development and deployment of advanced AI and machine learning models across Walmart's vast operations. Drawing on your extensive experience, you will work on large-scale data challenges, design innovative algorithms, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of AI/ML projects, from ideation to deployment, ensuring alignment with Walmart's strategic goals.
• Design and implement scalable cloud-based machine learning and data science solutions, leveraging, GCP, or other cloud platforms.
• Develop novel algorithms and leverage state-of-the-art AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, HuggingFace) to solve complex problems in supply chain optimization, customer personalization, and operational efficiency.
• Build highly parallelized compute environments for processing large-scale datasets, optimizing performance across CPU and GPU architectures.
• Collaborate with diverse teams across engineering, business, and operations to understand requirements and integrate data science solutions seamlessly.
• Advocate for best practices in software development, including CI/CD, unit testing, and documentation, to ensure robust and reliable systems.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to building a culture of innovation and learning within the data science community at Walmart.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in software development and data science, with a focus on AI/ML applications and mathematical modeling.
• Expertise in Python, C++, CUDA, and relevant libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, and PyTorch.
• Strong experience with cloud services, especially GCP, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing AI/ML solutions for large-scale, high-performance systems.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining APIs for machine learning or data-driven applications.
• Hands-on experience with computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and recommender systems.
• Strong knowledge of data pipelines, ETL processes, and big data technologies.
• Must know Pyspark and Scala.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage stakeholders and deliver business value.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with serverless architecture and microservices.
• Background in scientific or mathematical applications of AI/ML.

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 .

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 $110,000.00-$220,000.00

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...

2501 Se J St, Ste A, Bentonville, AR 72716-3724, United States of America