(USA) Principal, Data Scientist

Walmart • Bentonville, AR

2d • $110,000 - $286,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Data Scientist will lead advanced data science initiatives by developing and deploying innovative machine learning models and data-driven solutions that address complex business challenges. This role requires expertise in statistical analysis, coding, experimentation and data strategy to translate business needs into actionable insights. The position involves mentoring team members, collaborating cross-functionally, and ensuring the scalability and sustainability of models. The successful candidate will drive measurable business impact through rigorous experimentation, model validation, and effective communication of findings to influence strategic decisions across multiple domains. Join the personalization marketing data science team at Walmart, collaborating with engineering, business, and product teams across digital marketing channels such as SEM, SEO, CRM, Display, and Paid Social. The team develops scalable, data-driven solutions to optimize marketing effectiveness and generate high-quality demand efficiently. Members analyze extensive omni-channel commerce data to build models and algorithms supporting business growth. Working alongside skilled data scientists, engineers, marketers, and product managers, the team creates advanced marketing science platforms that enhance strategies and deliver actionable insights across the organization.

Requirements

• 5+ year experience in machine learning, deep learning, and advanced statistical analysis to develop and deploy predictive models, preferably in marketing science or ecommerce
• Proficiency in programming languages including Python and SQL for code development, testing, and automation.
• Strong knowledge of MLOps practices to ensure model lifecycle management and scalability in production environments.
• Expertise in data quality assessment, feature engineering, and experimentation to drive data-driven solutions.
• Ability to translate complex business problems into analytical models and actionable insights.
• Experience with cloud platforms for model deployment and management.
• Proven leadership skills to mentor teams and guide technical problem formulation and solution delivery.
• 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)
• 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.
• 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

• Lead the development and deployment of advanced AI, machine learning, and statistical solutions for marketing science and personalization.
• Define scalable data science strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Design rigorous experiments, causal measurement frameworks, and incrementality analyses.
• Architect experimentation platforms supporting audience assignment, metrics, analysis, and reporting.
• Build predictive and personalization models to improve customer engagement and marketing performance.
• Analyze large datasets to identify insights and high-impact opportunities.
• Establish reusable modeling frameworks, feature pipelines, and model lifecycle standards.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders and mentor data scientists on methodology, coding, experimentation, and communication best practices.

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 leave
• 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 (Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates)

What This Job Offers

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