> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3676105-principal-software-engineer-gen-ai](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3676105-principal-software-engineer-gen-ai). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal, Software Engineer - Gen AI - **Company:** Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. - **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $143,000.0 - $286,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Adobe Analytics, Web Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft Azure, Computer Engineering, Software Design Patterns, Disaster Recovery, Distributed Systems, Fault Tolerance, Information Retrieval, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Tensorflow, Search Technologies, Software Engineering, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Pytorch, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Large Language Models, Generative AI, Discretization, Information Technology, Optimization Algorithms, HuggingFace, Google Gemini, GPT - **Published:** October 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.themuse.com/jobs/walmart/principal-software-engineer-gen-ai-9dbdbc ## About the Role * Overall 12+ years of experience in machine learning / software engineering, with 2+ years in Generative AI or LLMs. * Strong experience with RAG frameworks, vector search technologies and knowledge grounding techniques. * Expertise in Python, ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow), and libraries like Hugging Face Transformers. * Proficiency in distributed computing, cloud platforms (GCP, Azure), and scalable architectures. * Familiarity with disaster recovery principles and building resilient, fault-tolerant systems. * Experience with multi-modal models (text, image, video) and advanced optimization techniques (e.g., quantization, distillation). * Experience with Generative AI models (e.g., GPT, Gemini) and their fine-tuning. * Contributions to open-source projects or publications in Generative AI, RAG, or agentic frameworks. * Strong understanding of system design, non-functional requirements, and design patterns., Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications. Option 1: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and5 years' experience in software engineering or related area. Option 2: 7 years' experience in software engineering or related area. Preferred Qualifications... Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications. 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. ## Description * Design, fine-tune, and deploy Generative AI models with a focus on RAG frameworks to enhance information retrieval and generation. * Develop and optimize LLM-based agents for tasks like knowledge grounding, multi-step reasoning, and decision-making. * Integrate external data sources (e.g., vector databases) with LLMs to build dynamic, context-aware systems. 2. Architecture ; Scalability: * Architect scalable, distributed AI systems with a focus on performance, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery. * Develop detailed design specifications, including modular, extensible, and functional components. * Build MVPs to validate requirements and refine designs iteratively. 3. Collaboration ; Product Integration: * Partner with product teams to integrate AI into customer-facing applications. * Work cross-functionally to design solutions that address both functional and non-functional requirements. 4. Leadership ; Mentorship: * Drive technical direction for large-scale AI initiatives and mentor junior engineers. * Establish best practices for building and maintaining AI-driven systems., We use a hybrid way of working that is primarily in office coupled with virtual when not onsite. Our campuses serve as a hub to enhance collaboration, bring us together for purpose and deliver on business needs. This approach helps us make quicker decisions, remove location barriers across our global team and be more flexible in our personal lives.