Principal, Data Scientist

Walmart • Bentonville, AR

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Data Scientist will lead AI and machine learning (ML) initiatives to enhance operational decision-making for Walmart US. Key responsibilities include designing and prototyping advanced ML/AI solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to scale and implement these models, and ensuring (consulting) ongoing model monitoring and management. The role requires close partnership with various Walmart teams (such as engineering, product, Store Ops, tech data science teams) and focuses on aligning AI solutions with strategic business goals, improving associate efficiency, and driving measurable business impact. The Principal Data Scientist is also responsible for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of data science processes, including model development, accuracy, reliability, and cost savings.

Requirements

• Experience in the development of large-scale ML/AI solutions, Causal Inference.
• 6 years+ of experience in Applied ML familiar with core supervised and unsupervised algorithms.
• Skilled in Programming language (Python) and Large-scale training using data structures and algorithms.
• 2 years+ experience with Causal Inference frameworks, Bayesian Networks and Operations Research methods (Newsvendor problem, Travelling Salesman problem, Shortest Path models, etc.)
• Experience with cloud environments including Azure, Google Cloud, etc.
• Solid MLOps practices including good design documentation, unit testing, integration testing and source code control (git).
• Experienced with agile methodologies using project planning and tracking management tools e.g., JIRA.
• Bachelors degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 5 years' experience in an analytics related field.
• Masters degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 3 years' experience in an analytics related field.
• 7 years' experience in an analytics or related field

Nice To Haves

• Agentic AI experience is a plus.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Apply broad knowledge of ML/AI, Operation Research, GenAI and agentic AI to identify growth areas, new and emerging opportunities.
• Conducts research by studying organization goals, strategies, practices, and user projects.
• Recommends strategies by evaluating organization outcomes; identifying problems; evaluating trends; anticipating requirements.
• Influence a team of Data Scientists focused on powering AI/ML solutions within the scope of associate work prioritization, workforce planning and retention strategies.
• Partner closely with other Data Science, product, and engineering teams to inform, drive and accelerate innovations in discovery experiences via Insights, frameworks, causal inference solutions and machine learning prototypes.
• Execution and showing the value of an approach with quick prototyping: data collection, model prototyping, with responsibilities encompassing stakeholder management and communication to cross-functional partners.
• Collaborate with tech data science and engineering teams to create, build, and deploy data science algorithms continuously test and monitor drifts.
• Shares highly complex information related to areas of expertise.
• Interacts with stakeholders to keep abreast of objectives.
• Builds and enhances key internal and external contacts.

Benefits

• competitive pay
• performance-based bonus awards
• medical coverage
• vision coverage
• dental coverage
• 401(k)
• stock purchase
• company-paid life insurance
• PTO (including sick leave)
• parental leave
• family care leave
• bereavement
• jury duty
• voting
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• company discounts
• Military Leave Pay
• adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal