(USA) Principal, Software Engineer

Walmart • Bentonville, AR

7d • $110,000 - $264,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Principal Software Engineer (ML), you will lead the design and development of production-grade AI systems that transform large-scale data into intelligent, deployable solutions. You will operate at the intersection of machine learning, Python engineering, and scalable infrastructure, building E2E pipelines that power real-world applications. Your mission is to develop deployable ML systems - not just models. This includes designing feedback-driven learning systems (e.g., reinforcement learning loops), building robust data pipelines, and creating AI services capable of continuous learning and adaptation. 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 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 software architecture, distributed systems, and scalable design patterns.
• Deep understanding of machine learning lifecycle: training, evaluation, deployment, monitoring.
• Hands-on experience with reinforcement learning or feedback-driven systems (bandits, RLHF, online learning).
• Expertise in coding standards, multiple programming languages, and secure software development lifecycle practices.
• Ability to conduct thorough requirement analysis, risk assessment, and solution scoping aligned with business objectives.
• Proven skills in test strategy development, automation tools, and defect management processes.
• Leadership in guiding technical teams, mentoring, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Option 1: 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.
• Option 2: 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

• Design and deploy end-to-end ML pipelines using Python (data ingestion → training → evaluation → deployment → monitoring).
• Build production-ready, deployable code for ML services (APIs, batch + real-time inference systems).
• Develop and implement reinforcement learning / feedback loop systems (e.g., human-in-the-loop, reward modeling, online learning).
• Architect computer vision and image analysis solutions (classification, embeddings, multimodal systems).
• Integrate ML models into scalable distributed systems serving millions of users in real time.
• Lead development of AI agents and multi-step reasoning systems powered by LLMs and structured ML pipelines.
• Establish MLOps best practices (CI/CD for ML, model versioning, monitoring).
• Continuously improve system performance through experimentation, feedback loops, and optimization.

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.

What This Job Offers

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