(USA) Principal, Data Scientist - Applied AI

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock

Health benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Live Better U

Job summary

Walmart is seeking a Principal Data Scientist on the Applied AI team to own the design and delivery of AI systems that transform HR workflows. You’ll work closely with business stakeholders, translate ambiguous problems into prototypes, and drive them into scalable production solutions.

The role requires building end-to-end AI products, strong Python and data-engineering skills, and a track record of delivering high-quality, scalable AI capabilities for millions of associates worldwide.

Qualifications

• Experience building and deploying AI systems in production, including LLMs or agentic workflows.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals with Python and AI tooling.
• Experience with evaluation methods for AI systems (offline/online).

Responsibilities

• Partner with HR business stakeholders to identify high-leverage workflows for AI transformation.
• Design, build, and ship production AI systems including agentic workflows and LLM apps.
• Build evaluation frameworks measuring model/system performance against business outcomes.
• Translate business problems into prototypes and drive production deployments.
• Write production-grade code and contribute to engineering practices.
• Mentor team members on AI engineering and applied research.
• Ensure responsible AI practices, data governance, and security standards.

Skills

LLM applications

Agentic workflows

Python

Data engineering

Production AI systems

Stakeholder collaboration

Evaluation methods

SQL

Education

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

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

PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Information Technology, Operations Research or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

SQL

Job description

Bentonville, AR: $110,000 - $220,000/yrSunnyvale, CA: $143,000 - $286,000/yrRegular/ PermanentSalariedLoading map...Bentonville, AR: $110,000 - $220,000/yrSunnyvale, CA: $143,000 - $286,000/yrRegular/ PermanentSalaried

Position Summary

As a Principal Data Scientist on the Applied AI team, you will own the technical design and delivery of AI systems that transform how HR work gets done. You will sit close to business stakeholders, translate ambiguous problems into working prototypes, and carry those prototypes through to production systems used at scale. You will write the code, design the evaluations, and make the architecture decisions that determine whether an AI capability holds up in the real world. The role suits engineers who want to build AI products end-to-end, and who are energized by direct contact with the business.

About the team

The Applied AI team partners with HR business leaders to enhance workflows by creating advanced AI solutions. Embedded with stakeholders, the team identifies challenges, prototypes innovations, and delivers scalable production systems. Their expertise includes agentic systems, large language model applications, evaluation frameworks, and engineering to transition AI concepts into lasting products. Combining strong data science, engineering, and AI knowledge, the team builds business-owned capabilities that drive measurable impact across millions of associates globally, supporting strategic transformation and operational excellence.

What you’ll do

• Partner directly with HR business stakeholders to identify the highest-leverage workflows for AI transformation.
• Design, build, and ship production AI systems including agentic workflows, LLM applications, and supporting infrastructure.
• Build evaluation frameworks that measure model and system performance against real business outcomes.
• Translate ambiguous business problems into prototypes quickly, then iterate to durable production solutions.
• Write production-grade code and collaborate on engineering practices that take AI from prototype to scaled deployment.
• Mentor team members on AI engineering, system design, and applied research methods.
• Ensure responsible AI practices, data governance, and security standards across the project lifecycle.

What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience building and deploying AI systems in production, including LLM applications or agentic workflows.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals with proficiency in Python and modern AI tooling and frameworks.
• Hands‑on experience with evaluation methods for AI systems, including offline and online testing approaches.
• Working knowledge of data engineering, database technologies including SQL, and the infrastructure that supports production AI.
• Ability to translate ambiguous business problems into shipped solutions in close partnership with non‑technical stakeholders.
• Track record of moving fast from prototype to production while maintaining quality and reliability.
• Effective communication skills to align technical work with business priorities.

Compensation and 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. 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.

Location and Compensation Details

Bentonville, AR: $110,000 - $220,000/yr

Sunnyvale, CA: $143,000 - $286,000/yr

Regular/ PermanentSalaried

Primary Location: 806 Excellence Dr, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America

Bentonville, Arkansas US-30011: The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00 Sunnyvale, California US-11789: The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00 - $286,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

• Stock

Minimum Qualifications

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Option 3: 7 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.

Benefits you’ll enjoy

• Discount CardGet 10% offWalmart 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 U100% coveredEarn 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.
• Walmart AcademyGrow your skillsReady to grow your career? Walmart Academy offers job‑specific retail training and leadership courses to help Associates reach their career goals.
• Financial perksEnjoy 401(k) matching and stock purchase plans.
• Paid time offTake a break as needed for vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and more
• Comprehensive health benefitsMedical, dental, vision, and wellness programs for you and your family
• Wellbeing programsAccess mental health resources and assistance programs for life's challenges
• Career growth opportunitiesTraining, leadership programs, and clear paths to advance. Learn more
• Life at WalmartImagine 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.

Other Company Information

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.