(USA) Distinguished, Data Scientist

Walmart•Bentonville, AR

5d•$130,000 - $260,000

About The Position

Role summary: We are seeking a Distinguished Data Scientist to provide technical leadership and long‑term vision for next‑generation AI, simulation, and digital twin capabilities across Walmart US Retail. This senior individual contributor will drive breakthrough system design and advanced solution development that transforms retail operations at scale — from strategic supply chain and workforce optimization to immersive digital twins and agentic AI systems. The role combines deep technical expertise (ML, simulation, optimization, agentic AI) with cross‑functional influence, mentoring of senior talent, and delivery of high‑impact, productionized solutions. About the team: The Retail Intelligence team focuses on AI discovery, research, and the design of algorithmic solutions to improve operational efficiency across Walmart stores. We specialize in rapid prototyping of machine learning, agentic AI, and simulation models, and translate these prototypes into scalable, production systems that deliver measurable business impact. The team partners closely with engineering, product, UX, and retail operations to ensure solutions are operationally realistic and widely adoptable.

Requirements

Strong expertise in simulation modeling and/or advanced ML/AI systems
Experience deploying production-grade AI systems at scale.
Experience with agentic AI or intelligent systems
Strong software engineering skills and experience with cloud/data systems
Proven track record of technical impact (systems, products, or research)
Ability to mentor senior talent and influence cross-functional initiatives
Familiarity with visualization or simulation environments
M.Sc. in a relevant quantitative field or equivalent experience.
8+ years of experience in data science, ML, or simulation with demonstrated impact
Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 6 years' experience in an analytics related field.
Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 4 years' experience in an analytics related field.
8 years' experience in an analytics or related field.

Nice To Haves

PhD in a related field with relevant industry experience
Data science, machine learning, optimization models
PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Information Technology, Operations Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics
Successful completion of one or more assessments in Python, Spark, Scala, or R
Supervisory experience
Using open source frameworks (for example, scikit learn, tensorflow, torch)

Responsibilities

Provide technical vision and lead advanced development in digital twins, simulation, reinforcement learning, and agentic AI for retail operations
Architect and co‑design large‑scale simulation and AI systems integrating retail data pipelines for near‑real‑time insights
Lead high‑impact projects end‑to-end: problem framing, modeling, prototyping, production architecture, and rollout
Author and review technical designs and standards; present findings to senior leadership
Mentor senior data scientists and engineers — raising the technical bar across teams
Establish best practices for model validation, experimentation, and safe deployment of AI systems
Influence roadmap prioritization and long-term strategy for AI and simulation capabilities
Work with retail domain experts to ensure solutions reflect real operational constraints and KPIs
Partner with engineering, UX, and platform teams to enable scalable integration and visualization
Represent the team in executive forums and advocate for high-impact AI investments

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.
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.
The annual salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $260,000.00
Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.
Additional compensation for certain positions may also include : - Stock