(USA) Principal, Data Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Stock purchase

PTO

Live Better U

Job summary

The Principal Data Scientist at Walmart will lead the development and deployment of advanced AI models to solve complex business challenges. The role requires expertise in machine learning, statistical analysis, and optimization, translating business needs into scalable data-driven solutions while mentoring teammates and collaborating across functions.

Based in Bentonville, AR, you will drive innovation using cutting-edge techniques and MLOps to deliver measurable impact on operational

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications include a degree in statistics/economics/analytics or related field with 3 years analytics experience or a Master’s with 1 year.
• Experience in leading data science projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Strong coding and data engineering skills with ML deployment experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy advanced machine learning models using Python/SQL to address business challenges.
• Lead model assessment, validation, and production deployment ensuring accuracy and scalability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into data science initiatives.
• Mentor team members on analytics techniques and best practices.
• Identify and validate high-quality data from multiple systems for modeling.
• Communicate findings and impact to business partners.

Skills

Python

SQL

Java

Machine Learning

MLOps

Data Visualization

Education

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

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

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Job description

802 Respect Dr
Bentonville, AR 72716-0000

R-2597111

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$110,000 - $220,000/yr

Regular/ Permanent

Position Summary

Role summary:
The Principal Data Scientist will lead the development and deployment of advanced AI models to solve complex business challenges. This role requires expertise in machine learning, statistical analysis, and optimization to translate business needs into scalable, data‑driven solutions. The position involves mentoring team members, collaborating cross‑functionally, and ensuring model accuracy and sustainability. The successful candidate will drive innovation by leveraging cutting‑edge technologies and methodologies, contributing to strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and deliver measurable business impact within a dynamic and evolving data ecosystem.

About the team

The Retail Intelligence team drives AI discovery, research, and the design of algorithmic solutions to enhance operational efficiency across Walmart stores. The team excels in rapid prototyping of machine learning, agentic AI, and simulation models, transforming prototypes into scalable production systems that deliver measurable business impact. Collaborating closely with engineering, product, UX, and retail operations, the team ensures solutions are practical and widely adoptable. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and the application of advanced techniques such as deep learning, statistical analysis, and MLOps to solve complex retail challenges effectively.

What you’ll do

• Develop, test, and deploy advanced machine learning models using languages such as Python and SQL to address complex business challenges.
• Analyze business problems to identify root causes and recommend data‑driven solutions aligned with strategic objectives.
• Identify, source, and validate high‑quality data from multiple systems to support analytical modeling and insights generation.
• Lead model assessment, validation, and continuous improvement to ensure accuracy, robustness, and scalability in production environments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into actionable data science initiatives and communicate findings effectively.
• Mentor team members on advanced analytics techniques, coding best practices, and data visualization methods.

What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience in developing and testing code using languages such as Python, SQL, and Java.
• Proficiency in machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and advanced statistical analysis.
• Strong knowledge of MLOps practices and deployment of scalable models in production environments.
• Expertise in data source identification, data quality assessment, and data strategy application.
• Ability to translate complex business problems into effective analytical models and solutions.
• Skilled in data visualization tools and techniques to communicate insights clearly.
• Proven leadership in mentoring teams and driving cross‑functional collaboration.

Benefits

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.

For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.

Minimum Qualifications

• Option 1—Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field and 3 years' experience in an analytics related field.
• Option 2—Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field and 1 year's experience in an analytics related field.
• Option 3—5 years' experience in an analytics or related field.

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

802 Respect Dr, Bentonville, AR 72716, 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.

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.