(USA) Principal, Data Scientist

Walmart • Bentonville, AR

3d • $110,000 - $220,000

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Data Scientist to lead the development and deployment of AI, simulation, and advanced analytics solutions across Walmart US Retail. This senior individual contributor will translate complex business problems into scalable models and systems — supporting areas such as supply chain, workforce optimization, and operational decisioning. The role combines strong hands-on technical expertise (ML, simulation, optimization) with cross-functional collaboration and delivery of productionized solutions.

The Retail Intelligence team focuses on AI discovery and the design of algorithmic solutions to improve operational efficiency across Walmart stores. We prototype machine learning, agentic AI, and simulation models and scale them into production systems that deliver measurable business impact. The team partners closely with engineering, product, UX, and retail operations.

Requirements

• Strong experience in machine learning, analytics, or simulation
• Hands-on experience building and deploying production models
• Familiarity with modern ML frameworks and tools
• Strong programming skills (Python or similar)
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively
• Experience delivering measurable business impact
• M.Sc. in a relevant quantitative field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in data science or ML roles.
• 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

• Exposure to retail or similar domains is a plus
• PhD or additional experience in applied ML, AI, or operations research.
• 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

• Translate business problems into ML, AI, or simulation-based solutions
• Design and build scalable models and systems using retail data
• Deliver projects end‑to‑end: problem framing, modeling, validation, and deployment
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to productionize solutions
• Communicate insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Apply best practices in experimentation, validation, and model performance
• Contribute to team standards and technical best practices
• Work with business stakeholders to ensure solutions align with operational needs and KPIs
• Partner with engineering and platform teams for scalable deployment
• Participate in cross-functional discussions and contribute to solution design

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.
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees