Principal, Data Scientist

Wal-Mart•Bentonville, AR

42d•$110,000 - $220,000

About The Position

We're looking for a Principal, Data Scientist-a strategic, high-impact individual contributor with enterprise reach. This role doesn't manage people, but it leads through influence-helping senior leaders act on insights before trends emerge. This is more than just a technical role; this role will be a catalyst for change through influencing across HR, Operations, and Finance by turning predictive insights into actionable stories to drive clarity, evidence and foresight. The People Data Enablement team sits at the crossroads of people, operations, and tech-turning workforce data into strategy. We build predictive tools, AI-powered dashboards, and decision support that help Walmart hire, grow, and retain talent at scale. Our mission? Spot the signal before the noise-and give leaders the edge to act fast. This is your chance to help shape a brand-new data science capability with enterprise impact.

Requirements

7+ years applying data science, statistics, or machine learning-ideally in large-scale enterprise or workforce settings.
Proven ability to anticipate future risks, opportunities, and behavior shifts-not just explain historical trends.
Skilled at framing and solving open-ended, ambiguous problems.
Advanced in Python, SQL, and cloud platforms like GCP, AWS, or Azure.
Experienced in building or guiding scalable data pipelines and embedding models in self-service tools.
Knowledgeable in model governance, documentation, and version control.
Trusted advisor to senior leaders, influencing decisions through clear, compelling narratives.
Adept at simplifying complex analysis for non-technical audiences.
Proven success driving adoption of predictive insights without formal authority.
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.
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.
Option 3: 7 years' experience in an analytics or related field

Nice To Haves

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

Detect Signals Before They Surface: Identify early workforce risks and opportunities by translating ambiguous business challenges into structured predictive models and applying advanced analytics to forecast trends at scale.
Turn Insights Into Actionable Intelligence: Convert data signals into strategic guidance by crafting executive-ready narratives, visualizing insights, and anticipating leadership needs before they're voiced.
Shape Scalable Modeling Infrastructure: Collaborate with partners to develop and integrate predictive models into enterprise systems, ensuring they are explainable, scalable, and governed by clear standards for quality and documentation.
Steer Outcomes Through Insight and Trust: Act as a strategic thought partner to senior leaders by representing data science in high-level planning and building trust through rigorous analysis and compelling storytelling.

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.
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.

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