Principal, Data Scientist

Wal-Mart • Sunnyvale, CA

42d • $143,000 - $286,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Data Scientist to drive innovation within Walmart International Search and Personalization. This role will be instrumental in enhancing our entire Search Stack - including Pre-retrieval, Retrieval and Ranking along with recommendation systems, and user personalization strategies across the user journey by leveraging cutting-edge ML techniques. You will lead high-impact projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and shape the future of how customers discover and interact with our platform.

Requirements

• Expertise in Search & Personalization: Strong experience in information retrieval, search ranking, query intent classification, and recommendation systems.
• Advanced ML & AI Knowledge: Proficiency in deep learning (Transformer models, embeddings, contrastive learning), NLP (LLMs, BERT, RAG-based systems), and graph-based personalization techniques.
• Applied Experience: Hands-on experience in deploying ML models at scale using frameworks like TensorFlow, or PyTorch
• Open-Source ML Technologies: Strong experience with distributed computing, feature stores (Feast), and ML platforms such as MLflow and Kubeflow.
• Strong Programming & Engineering Skills: Proficiency in Python, Scala, or Java, with experience in writing production-quality ML pipelines.
• Proven Track Record: Experience in designing and leading ML projects that drive measurable business impact.
• 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

• 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

• Develop and Optimize ML Models: Design and deploy machine learning models for search relevance, ranking, query understanding, embeddings, personalization, and recommendations.
• Lead Algorithmic Innovations: Drive the development of deep learning, reinforcement learning, multi-task learning, and LLM-based techniques to improve search and personalization performance.
• Lead Model Architecture Discussions: Define and drive end-to-end ML architecture decisions, ensuring models are scalable, efficient, and aligned with business needs. Collaborate with ML engineers and platform teams to design architectures that integrate seamlessly into production.
• Scale AI in Production: Work closely with MLOps and engineering teams to deploy and maintain scalable ML solutions that power real-time experiences.
• Experimentation and Evaluation: Define KPIs, design A/B tests, and lead offline/online evaluations to measure and optimize model effectiveness.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with Product, Engineering, UX, and Business teams to align machine learning initiatives with strategic goals.
• Mentor and Influence: Provide technical leadership, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the broader ML and AI strategy for the organization.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Industry: General Merchandise Retailers
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees