(USA) Principal, Data Scientist
About The Position
As a Principal Science Manager within Retail Intelligence (RI), you will lead the next generation of data science and AI-driven solutions that power Walmart’s retail operations. This role sits at the intersection of data science, strategy, product, engineering, driving end-to-end development of advanced analytics, machine learning, and generative AI prototypes that translate complex business challenges into scalable technical solutions. You will architect and guide the development of horizontal AI capabilities, rapid prototypes, and intelligent agents that accelerate innovation across store operations, supply chain, and workforce domains to name a few. Retail Intelligence (RI) is a multidisciplinary innovation team at Walmart dedicated to rapidly prototyping and deploying simulation, machine learning, and AI solutions that enhance retail decision-making at scale. The team collaborates closely with business stakeholders, product teams, and engineering to transform complex operational challenges into data-driven solutions with measurable impact. RI integrates science management, product thinking, and technical expertise to accelerate innovation from ideation to production. Its work spans digital twins, workforce optimization, supply chain intelligence, store operations, and emerging AI applications, enabling faster testing and scaling of innovative solutions aligned with Walmart’s long-term platform strategy.
Requirements
- Hands-on experience building prototypes, analytics workflows, or AI solutions using data science and AI toolchains
- Ability to bridge product strategy and architecture, translating business needs into scalable technical solutions
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving data science, engineering, and business stakeholders in large, complex organizations
- Strong systems thinking and architectural mindset to design reusable framework and scalable AI platforms.
- Ability to guide teams in experimentation, analytics , and evidence-based decision making.
- Experience with generative AI, LLM applications, agent frameworks
- Strong communication and influence skills, with ability to explain complex trade-offs and align stakeholders.
- Passion for mentoring technical teams and elevating organizational capability in applied AI and advanced analytics.
- 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
- Translate ambiguous business problems into structured product opportunities, technical architectures, and experimentation roadmaps.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration across business, product, engineering, and data science teams to align priorities and accelerate solution delivery.
- Establish best practices for rapid prototyping, AI experimentation, and transitioning successful prototypes into scalable production solutions.
- Guide product and science teams in developing strong technical intuition around model design, analytics frameworks, and experimentation methods.
- Identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies—including generative AI, digital twins, optimization, and simulation—to create strategic advantages for Walmart.
- Communicate complex technical concepts and solution trade-offs clearly to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Benefits
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
