Principal Data Scientist
Walmart
About the role
Position Summary...
Role summary:
The Principal Data Scientist, Market Intelligence, is a high-impact role at the intersection of strategy, advanced analytics, and AI innovation. As a key member of our Market & Competitive Intelligence team, you will shape how Walmart understands the competitive landscape, uncovers growth opportunities, and translates data into enterprise-level decisions. With direct exposure to executive leadership, you will pioneer scalable data products that influence critical business decisions while solving some of retail's most challenging and impactful problems.
About the team:
The Market and Competitive Intelligence team drives impactful work at the intersection of strategy, advanced analytics, and AI innovation. This team shapes Walmart’s understanding of the competitive landscape, identifies growth opportunities, and translates data into enterprise-level decisions. With direct engagement with executive leadership, the team pioneers scalable data products that influence critical business outcomes. Analyze large and complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights to measure performance against competition and inform business growth opportunities
What you'll do...
Analyze large and complex datasets to identify trends, patterns and insights to measure performance against competition and inform
Research, create and implement advanced statistical models and cutting-edge machine learning algorithms on fast-moving structured and unstructured data to support decision making
Build scalable, AI- and LLM-powered data products that deliver meaningful impact for our business partners and customers at unmatched scale
Communicate findings and insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through clear and concise reports, visualizations and presentations to gain alignment and drive business actions
Guide and mentor junior data scientist team members
What you'll bring...
Masters in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or related analytical discipline and 4+ years of post-graduate relevant work experience or Ph.D with 2+ years of post-graduate relevant work experience
Strong proficiency in Python and SQL
Strong data engineering foundation, including modular and maintainable code, pipeline architecture, and performance optimization
You have hands-on experience building and scaling AI/LLM-powered agents for workflow automation and information extraction, with expertise in evaluating and governing outputs through guardrails, accuracy validation, and human-in-the-loop review
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 program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs 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 program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00 - $286,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- Stock
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Minimum Qualifications...
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.
Primary Location...
850 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066-3031, United States of America
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.
Responsibilities
- Analyze complex datasets to identify competitive trends and growth opportunities.
- Research and implement advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms.
- Build scalable AI- and LLM-powered data products.
- Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders through reports, visualizations, and presentations.
- Guide and mentor junior data scientists.
Qualifications
- Relevant postgraduate work experience: 4+ years with a master's degree or 2+ years with a PhD; alternate minimum qualifications include 5 years with a bachelor's degree, 3 years with a master's degree, or 7 years of related experience.
- Strong proficiency in Python and SQL.
- Strong data engineering foundation, including maintainable code, pipeline architecture, and performance optimization.
- Hands-on experience building and scaling AI/LLM-powered agents, with expertise in output evaluation, guardrails, accuracy validation, and human-in-the-loop review.
- Degree in a relevant analytical discipline or equivalent related experience.
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
- 401(k), stock purchase plan, and company-paid life insurance.
- Paid time off, including sick leave, parental leave, and family care leave.
- Short- and long-term disability coverage and company discounts.
- Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
- Walmart-paid education program for eligible associates.
- Performance-based bonuses and potential stock compensation.
Skills mentioned
About Walmart
More than 60 years ago, Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas. Today, we’re a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer dedicated to helping people save money and live better all around the world. Our 2.1 million associates are the engine behind what we do — serving customers and members in communities spanning 19 countries, in stores and clubs, online and through a supply chain built for speed and scale. We’re committed to creating clear pathways for associates to learn, grow and advance. Whether you’re starting your first job or bringing years of experience, you’ll find room to grow, learn new skills and build a career with purpose. We’re proud to invest in our people and foster a culture grounded in respect, integrity, service and striving for excellence. Recognized as a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® (2025) and Great Place To Work®-Certified™ , we’re proud of what we’re building together.