Principal, Machine Learning Engineer

Walmart Scintilla is a commercial data and AI platform powering the suppliers of the world’s largest retailer. With access to one of the most diverse and scaled data ecosystems anywhere, we transform the data of a Fortune-1 company into insight, recommendation, and innovation that drives impact for customers, merchants, and suppliers.

Our teams are pioneering the use of Generative AI, agentic intelligence, and advanced ML to reimagine customer experiences, optimize operations, and unlock new business models. For external candidates, it’s a chance to join a team that is shaping the future of retail AI and setting industry benchmarks.

What you'll do :

We are seeking a Principal Machine Learning Engineer – Applied AI & Data Science to define and solve the most ambiguous, high-value problems in retail using cutting‑edge techniques. This role is a highly specialised Applied Science position, requiring a deep fusion of AI / ML scientific methodology, advanced GenAI modelling, and strategic business problem‑solving. Building on our public vision of “Four Super Agents,” you will apply state‑of‑the‑art AI and traditional DS techniques to define, validate, and measure impact across customer‑facing experiences and enterprise operations.

Our team is driving diverse, high‑impact enterprise initiatives, including recommendation platforms, customer voice, market research, product innovation, customer attitudinal segmentation, deep research, agent based simulations, and many more.

What You'll bring :

These initiatives require advanced expertise in the following capabilities :

1. Core Data Science & Predictive AI

• Frame ambiguous business questions into testable hypotheses and measurable data science projects with clear success metrics.
• Design and execute rigorous experimentation (A / B testing, causal inference, synthetic
• Own the end‑to‑end data science lifecycle, from data discovery, rigorous data cleansing, and feature engineering to model building, validation, story‑telling and insight communication.
• Drive deep analytical insights from petabytes of data, translating complex statistical findings into clear, actionable narratives for executive leadership and product teams.
• Champion data quality and ensure all analyses meet the highest standards of scientific validity, fairness, and responsible AI compliance.

2. Generative & Agentic AI Modeling

Above all, we’re looking for a leader defined by curiosity and the resilience to thrive in complex, high‑uncertainty environments. The ideal Principal has a deep technical science and engineering background—mastery of algorithmic thinking, statistical rigor, and strong coding skills. We value the efficient use of AI coding assistants but expect strong, independent coding prowess. Your willingness to work hard and quickly get up to speed on new domains is the most critical asset. If you have the foundational strength and the drive to lead our next‑era AI journey in retail, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

Nice‑to‑Haves

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.

For information about PTO, see https : / / one.walmart.com / notices.

Live Better U is a Walmart‑paid education benefit programme for full‑time and part‑time associates in Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities. Programme 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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or programme terms.

For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.

The annual salary range for this position is $169,000.00 – $338,000.00

Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :

Minimum Qualifications...

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 and 5 years’ experience in software engineering, machine learning engineering, AI systems or related area.

Option 2 : 7 years’ experience in software engineering, machine learning engineering, AI systems or related area.

2 years’ supervisory experience.

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, machine learning engineering, AI systems 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.

Primary Location...

1395 Crossman Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089‑1114, United States of America

Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace and have 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.

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