Sensory Scientist- Principal, Data Analyst

Walmart; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Stock purchase

Life insurance

Paid time off

Live Better U

Job summary

Walmart is seeking a Principal Sensory Scientist at Sam’s Club in Bentonville, AR to lead advanced data analytics, define key metrics, ensure data quality, and translate business requirements into insights. The role emphasizes sensory research programs, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering measurable product improvements.

The team designs sensory-led experiences from in-home tests to immersive events, translating insights into actionable recommendations for product development and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Arts, Finance or related field and 4 years’ experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field.
• Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 2 years’ experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field.
• 6 years’ experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field.
• Data science, data analysis, statistics, or related field, Master’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of sensory research programs to support product development, optimization, and innovation
• Design and execute sensory studies leveraging consumer-based methodologies through a sensory science lens
• Independently manage the full research process: study design, programming, fieldwork execution, analysis, and reporting
• Translate complex sensory data into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior leadership
• Partner with internal teams to ensure sensory insights drive measurable product and business outcomes

Skills

Sensory research

IHUTs

CLTs

ANOVA

PCA

PLS

Segmentation

Penalty Analysis

Chi-Square

AI for open-ended feedback

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Arts, Finance or related field

Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field

Tools

SQL

Python

Spark

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Position Summary…

What you’ll do…

Role summary:
The Principal Sensory Scientist at Sam’s Club leads advanced data analytics initiatives to identify root causes of business challenges and develop technology-driven solutions. This role involves defining key metrics, ensuring data quality, and translating complex business requirements into actionable insights. The position requires expertise in data visualization, exploratory analysis, and data strategy to influence decision-making across multiple business domains. The Principal Data Analyst mentors team members, drives continuous improvement, and collaborates cross-functionally to deliver measurable business impact aligned with organizational objectives.
About the team:
The Member’s Mark Consumer & Sensory Insights team brings the member voice directly into product decisions through the Member’s Mark Community. We design and execute sensory-led experiences—from in-home use tests to immersive events—to capture real-world feedback.
We translate both quantitative and qualitative insights into clear, actionable recommendations that inform product development and optimization. Working closely with product teams and suppliers, we focus on high-quality engagement and co-creation.
Our goal is to ensure Member’s Mark products are shaped by the people who use them, delivering offerings that truly resonate.
What you’ll do:
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of sensory research programs to support product development, optimization, and innovation
• Design and execute sensory studies leveraging consumer-based methodologies (e.g., IHUTs, CLTs) through a sensory science lens
• Independently manage the full research process: study design, programming, fieldwork execution, analysis, and reporting
• Translate complex sensory data into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior leadership
• Partner with internal teams to ensure sensory insights drive measurable product and business outcomes

What you’ll bring:
Required Qualifications 5+ years leading Sensory in CPG, retail, or ingredient companies. Expertise in IHUTs and CLTs, with strong analytical skills and ability to independently run and interpret analyses (ANOVA, PCA, PLS, Preference Mapping, Segmentation, Penalty Analysis, Chi-Square). Experience using AI to analyze open-ended feedback. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and communicate insights clearly to leadership and non-technical audiences.
Additional Skills Experience moderating qualitative sensory sessions is a plus.
Role Profile 75% quantitative, 25% qualitative sensory work. At Sam’s Club, 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, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. 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, https://one.walmart.com/notices

- Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
Live Better U is a company 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, One.Walmart.

The annual salary range for this position is $90,000.00 - $180,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include Regional Pay Zone (RPZ) (based on location).

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 Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Arts, Finance or related field and 4 years’ experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field. Option 2: Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 2 years’ experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field. Option 3: 6 years’ experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, 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, data analysis, statistics, or related field, Master’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field, Related industry experience (for example, retail, merchandising, healthcare, eCommerce), Successful completion of assessments in data analysis and Business Intelligence tools and scripting languages (for example, SQL, Python, Spark, Scala, R, Power BI, or Tableau)

Primary Location…

2101 Se Simple Savings Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712-4304, 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.