(USA) Principal, Software Engineer

Walmart • Sunnyvale, CA

31d • $132,000 - $286,000

About The Position

Role summary: The Principal Software Engineer leads the design and delivery of scalable platform capabilities, driving technical execution across multiple teams. This role applies cloud-native architecture principles to develop resilient distributed systems and integrates AI/ML technologies to enhance software solutions. The position requires strategic technical leadership, mentorship, and collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders to align engineering efforts with business objectives. The engineer ensures high-quality deliverables, fosters innovation, and continuously improves processes while maintaining architectural integrity and operational excellence in a dynamic environment. About the team: The Sandman/Ad-tech team consists of experienced Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, and Full Stack technologists focused on delivering scalable, data-driven solutions for Walmart. This multidisciplinary group integrates expertise in AI, software engineering, and data science to develop autonomous AI agents, deploy reliable applications, and build core engineering capabilities at enterprise scale. Utilizing data, AI, and agile methods, the team drives innovation that enhances operational efficiency and supports Walmart’s mission. Collaboration within the team fosters the creation of intelligent systems that improve business performance across the organization.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in platform engineering leadership, delivering scalable, cloud-native architectures and reusable tooling.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing distributed systems optimized for real-time data processing and AI/ML integration.
• Strong proficiency in software development lifecycle management, including coding, testing, CI/CD deployment, and observability.
• Demonstrated ability to apply model-driven design and leverage AI agents for intelligent software solutions.
• Skilled in technical mentorship, architectural decision-making, and cross-team collaboration.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on operational metrics and customer-centric outcomes.
• Adaptability to evolving technologies and commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 5 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.
• 7 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 3 years' experience in software engineering or related area.
• 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

• Lead platform engineering efforts by delivering scalable infrastructure, reusable tooling, and AI/ML frameworks aligned with strategic roadmaps.
• Drive full software development lifecycle across multiple teams, ensuring high availability, fault tolerance, and real-time data processing.
• Architect and integrate intelligent AI-enhanced applications using cloud-native principles and model-driven design.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, influencing architectural standards and promoting engineering excellence.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define technical requirements and success metrics, ensuring solutions meet quality and business goals.
• Foster continuous improvement by identifying opportunities, adapting to change, and sharing knowledge across teams.

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.
• 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