Principal Data Scientist

Principal/Sr Data Scientist Role - Walmart Retail Intelligence: The Principal or Senior Data Scientist will lead AI and machine learning (ML) initiatives to enhance operational decision-making and workload optimization for Walmart US. Key responsibilities include designing and prototyping advanced ML/AI solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to scale and implement these models, and ensuring ongoing model monitoring and management. The role requires close partnership with various Walmart teams (such as data governance and retail analytics) and focuses on aligning AI solutions with strategic business goals, improving associate efficiency, and driving measurable business impact. The Principal Data Scientist is also responsible for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of data science processes, including model development, accuracy, reliability, and cost savings.

What you’ll do: · Apply broad knowledge of ML/AI, Operation Research, GenAI and agentic AI to identify growth areas, new and emerging opportunities. Conducts research by studying organization goals, strategies, practices, and user projects. Recommends strategies by evaluating organization outcomes; identifying problems; evaluating trends; anticipating requirements. · Influence a team of Data Scientists focused on powering AI/ML solutions within the scope of associate work prioritization, workforce planning and retention strategies. · Partner closely with Data Science Management, Business Leaders, and ML engineering leaders to inform, drive and accelerate innovations in discovery experiences via Insights, frameworks, causal inference solutions and machine learning prototypes. · Execute full life cycle of projects through project planning, data collection, model prototyping and deployment, with responsibilities encompassing stakeholder management and communication to cross-functional partners., · Adhere to MLOps framework to create, build, and deploy data science algorithms continuously test and monitor drifts. · Shares highly complex information related to areas of expertise. Interacts with senior management to keep abreast of objectives. Interacts with peers to interpret information and improve cross-functional processes and programs. Builds and enhances key internal and external contacts.

· Experience in the development of large-scale ML/AI solutions, Causal Inference and Ranking/Prioritization systems. · 6 years+ of experience in Applied ML familiar with core supervised and unsupervised algorithms. · Skilled in Programming language (Python) and Large-scale training using data structures and algorithms. · 2 years+ experience with Causal Inference frameworks, Bayesian Networks and Operations Research methods (Newsvendor problem, Travelling Salesman problem, Shortest Path models, etc.) · Experience with cloud environments including Azure, Google Cloud, etc. · Solid MLOps practices including good design documentation, unit testing, integration testing and source code control (git). · Experienced with agile methodologies using project planning and tracking management tools e.g., JIRA., Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

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

Preferred Qualifications…

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

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.

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.

Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.