(USA) Principal, Data Scientist at Walmart

Position Summary

As a Principal Data Scientist at Walmart, you will lead the development and deployment of advanced analytical models that leverage sophisticated techniques such as Double Machine Learning and Causal Modeling. Your work will generate robust, data‑driven insights that inform strategic decision‑making and drive measurable impact. You will collaborate across functions, translate business needs into innovative strategies, mentor team members, and ensure the quality and impact of data insights. Your contributions will directly influence decision‑making and operational efficiency, supporting Walmart’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement through cutting‑edge data science practices.

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy advanced data science solutions using Python and SQL to address complex business challenges.
• Analyze business problems to identify root causes and recommend data‑driven approaches aligned with strategic objectives.
• Identify, source, and validate high‑quality data from multiple systems to support analytical modeling and insights generation.
• Lead the design and implementation of machine learning models, including feature engineering, model tuning, and validation to ensure accuracy and robustness.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into actionable data strategies and visualization frameworks.
• Mentor team members on advanced analytical techniques and promote continuous learning and innovation.

What You'll Bring

• Extensive experience in machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and statistical analysis to develop advanced data models.
• Proficiency in programming languages including Python, SQL, and Java for code development and testing.
• Advanced capability in feature engineering, predictive scoring model development, causal modeling, forecasting, and scenario modeling to support prioritization and sales life‑stage execution plans.
• Ability to translate complex business requirements into actionable data science strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Experience deploying scalable models and maintaining model lifecycle management in production environments.
• Proven leadership skills to mentor teams and drive continuous improvement in data science practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field and 5 years’ experience in an analytics related field.
• or Master’s degree in the same fields and 3 years’ experience in an analytics related field.
• or 7 years’ experience in an analytics or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Information Technology, Operations Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, or related field.
• Publications or active peer reviewer in related journals or conferences.
• Successful completion of assessments in Python, Spark, Scala, or R.
• Experience with open‑source frameworks such as scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, or Torch.
• Background in creating inclusive digital experiences and implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards.

Salary and Compensation

Hoboken, New Jersey: $132,000 – $264,000 per year, plus annual or quarterly performance bonuses and stock options.

Sunnyvale, California: $143,000 – $286,000 per year, plus annual or quarterly performance bonuses and stock options.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and performance‑based bonus awards.
• Health benefits including medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Financial benefits: 401(k), stock purchase plan, company‑paid life insurance.
• Paid time off: PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting leave.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Company discounts and military leave pay.
• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
• Live Better U education benefit program covering tuition, books, and fees for full‑time and part‑time associates.

Primary Location

121 River St, Hoboken, NJ 07030‑5989, United States.

Workplace Safety

Walmart is 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.