Principal, Software Engineer - BACKEND

Walmart; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 286,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discount Card

10% off Walmart items

Live Better U 100% covered

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Walmart Sunnyvale is hiring a Principal Software Engineer to lead scalable platform capabilities, ML/AI integration, and cloud-native architectures across multiple teams. You will drive the full software lifecycle, mentor engineers, and translate business needs into measurable technical outcomes.

This onsite, full-time role requires strong leadership, system design expertise, and collaboration with stakeholders to advance Walmart's e-commerce platform while delivering reliable, high-impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher with 5+ years in software engineering (or 7+ years via alternate path).
• Experience leading platform engineering and cloud-native architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead platform engineering efforts delivering scalable infrastructure and cloud-native architectures.
• Drive end-to-end software development lifecycle across multiple teams.
• Architect and implement AI-enhanced applications serving millions of users.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into technical requirements.
• Maintain architectural documentation and foster continuous improvement.

Skills

Platform engineering leadership

Cloud-native architectures

AI/ML integration

SDLC management

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Master’s degree in computer science or related field

Tools

CI/CD tooling

Distributed systems design

Job description

1395 Crossman Ave

Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1114

R-2584733

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$143,000 - $286,000/yr

Regular/ Permanent

Position Summary...

What you\'ll do...

Position Summary...

What you\'ll do...

Immigration sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship. This is a full-time, onsite role at our Sunnyvale, CA office. This position is not eligible for remote work. Role summary:

The (USA) Principal, Software Engineer leads the design and delivery of scalable platform capabilities, driving technical excellence across multiple teams. This role oversees the full software development lifecycle, applying cloud-native architecture and AI/ML integration to build intelligent, high-availability systems. The position requires strategic technical leadership, mentorship, and collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders to translate complex business needs into effective solutions. The Principal Engineer champions innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence while ensuring alignment with long-term platform strategies and business objectives.

About the team:

The BuyBox team is integral to Walmart’s e-commerce platform, developing and maintaining a microservices ecosystem that optimizes offer selection through machine learning and business rules. The team enhances offer ranking, ensures seamless system interactions, and monitors performance to resolve issues promptly. Focused on collaboration, technical expertise, and continuous innovation, the team drives operational excellence and supply chain efficiency. Utilizing agile methodologies and data-driven decision making, the team supports Walmart’s commitment to reliable service and value, fostering a culture centered on problem solving and ongoing improvement.

What you\'ll do:

• Lead platform engineering efforts by delivering scalable infrastructure, reusable tooling, and cloud-native architectures aligned with strategic roadmaps.
• Drive full software development lifecycle activities including coding, testing, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance across multiple teams.
• Architect and implement AI-enhanced applications and intelligent systems supporting millions of users.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, promoting best practices and innovation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable technical requirements and measurable outcomes.
• Maintain architectural documentation to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Foster continuous improvement through experimentation and adoption of emerging technologies.

What you\'ll bring:

• Extensive experience in platform engineering leadership, delivering scalable, cloud-native architectures and reusable tooling.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing distributed systems optimized for real-time data processing and AI/ML integration.
• Strong proficiency in software development lifecycle management, including coding, testing, CI/CD deployment, and observability.
• Demonstrated ability to apply model-driven design and leverage advanced development tools to enhance quality and velocity.
• Skilled in technical mentorship, architectural decision-making, and fostering engineering excellence across multiple teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on requirements analysis, debugging, and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills to engage cross-functional stakeholders and drive strategic alignment.

• 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.
• Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.
• Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
• Stock
• 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.

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...

1395 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.

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