Principal, Software Engineer - Backend

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) and stock programs

Paid time off and liv e Better U

Job summary

Walmart is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead scalable platform capabilities across multiple teams. You will drive cloud-native distributed systems and AI/ML integration, mentor engineers, and align technical work with business goals.

You’ll help shape architecture, manage full lifecycle delivery, and ensure high availability while fostering continuous improvement in a dynamic retail tech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 5 years’ experience.
• Option 2: 7 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.
• Experience leading platform engineering initiatives and scalable ML frameworks is valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead platform engineering efforts to deliver scalable infrastructure, tooling, and ML frameworks.
• Drive full software development lifecycle across multiple teams with high availability and real-time data processing.
• Architect and implement cloud-native distributed systems with AI agents and model-driven design.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, influencing architectural standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into technical requirements and metrics.
• Maintain architectural documentation and ensure quality, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Cloud-native architecture

Distributed systems

AI/ML integration

Mentoring engineers

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/IS/SE or related

7 years software engineering experience

Job description

Position Summary...

What you’ll do...

Role summary: As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the design and delivery of scalable platform capabilities, driving technical excellence across multiple teams. This role requires expertise in cloud-native architecture, distributed systems, and AI/ML integration to build intelligent software solutions that serve millions. You will provide strategic technical guidance, mentor engineers, and collaborate with stakeholders to align engineering efforts with business objectives. Your leadership will ensure high-quality execution throughout the software development lifecycle while fostering innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence within a dynamic engineering environment.

About the team: Our team develops the Store Fulfillment Platform, the core system enabling order fulfillment across thousands of stores through automation and associate support. This high-throughput, event-driven platform operates reliably at retail scale, supporting seamless customer experiences. We focus on scalable, cloud-native architecture and continuous improvement to meet evolving business needs. The team applies advanced engineering design processes and integrates AI agents to enhance system capabilities. Collaboration and technical excellence drive our efforts to build and evolve a robust platform that supports Walmart’s operational goals and delivers consistent, high-quality service.

What you’ll do:

• Lead platform engineering efforts to deliver scalable infrastructure, reusable tooling, and AI/ML frameworks aligned with strategic roadmaps.
• Drive full software development lifecycle across multiple teams, ensuring high availability, fault tolerance, and real-time data processing.
• Architect and implement cloud-native distributed systems integrating AI agents and model-driven design principles.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, influencing architectural standards and promoting engineering excellence.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable technical requirements and measurable success metrics.
• Maintain architectural documentation and ensure quality, reliability, and continuous improvement of software solutions.

What you’ll bring:

• Extensive experience leading platform engineering initiatives, including shared infrastructure and scalable ML frameworks.
• Proficiency in cloud-native architecture and distributed system design ensuring high availability and fault tolerance.
• Strong expertise in full software development lifecycle management across multiple teams.
• Proven ability to architect AI-enhanced applications and integrate AI agents using languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
• Skilled in applying model-driven design and leveraging modern development tools to enhance quality and velocity.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring engineers and influencing architectural standards.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with cross-functional stakeholders.

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 $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: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 5 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.

Option 2: 7 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.

Preferred Qualifications...

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

Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 3 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...

702 Sw 8Th St, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of AmericaWalmart 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.

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.

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