Staff Data Scientist

Walmart

Sunnyvale, California, United Statesunknown$143,000–$286,000Posted Nov 2, 2026

About the role

Position Summary...

What you'll do...

Role summary:

As a Staff Data Scientist at Walmart, you will leverage advanced analytical techniques and machine learning to transform complex data into actionable business insights. This role requires expertise in data strategy, model development, and validation to support decision-making across multiple business domains. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify data sources, ensure data quality, and deploy scalable models that drive measurable impact. Your ability to communicate findings effectively and mentor team members will be essential in advancing Walmart’s data-driven initiatives and delivering innovative solutions aligned with strategic objectives. **Immigration Sponsorship support will NOT be available for this

position** About the team:

The Applied AI Search & Personalization team develops scalable AI systems that transform how millions of customers discover products. We build intelligent retrieval, ranking, recommendation, and personalization models while leveraging latest AI techniques to create next-generation shopping experiences.

What you'll do:

Lead architecture and technical direction for Search and Personalization machine learning systems.

Design scalable retrieval, ranking, recommendation, and personalization algorithms by adopting latest ML/AI techniques

Lead cross-functional initiatives involving Product, Engineering, Platform, and Data Science teams.

Establish experimentation frameworks and best practices for model development and evaluation.

Mentor senior scientists and review technical designs across multiple initiatives.

Influence long-term AI strategy and technology investments.

Drive measurable improvements in customer engagement, search relevance, and business metrics.

What you'll bring:

Extensive experience building production AI/ML systems at scale.

Deep expertise in Search, Information Retrieval, Recommendation Systems, Personalization, or Ranking.

Experience with learning to rank models, transformer/LLM or click-through rate prediction models

Strong understanding of ML system architecture, MLOps, and distributed model deployment.

Expertise in experimentation, causal inference, and performance evaluation.

Excellent technical leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Proven ability to influence architecture and mentor technical teams across organizations.

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 4 years' experience in an analytics related field. Option 2: Masters degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 2 years' experience in an analytics related field. Option 3: 6 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, 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...

1395 Crossman Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1114, 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

  • Lead the architecture and technical direction of search and personalization machine learning systems.
  • Design scalable retrieval, ranking, recommendation, and personalization algorithms.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives with Product, Engineering, Platform, and Data Science teams.
  • Establish experimentation frameworks and model development and evaluation practices.
  • Mentor scientists and review technical designs across initiatives.
  • Influence long-term AI strategy and technology investments.
  • Improve customer engagement, search relevance, and business metrics.

Qualifications

  • Extensive experience building production AI/ML systems at scale.
  • Deep expertise in search, information retrieval, recommendation systems, personalization, or ranking.
  • Experience with learning-to-rank, transformer/LLM, or click-through-rate prediction models.
  • Strong understanding of ML system architecture, MLOps, and distributed model deployment.
  • Expertise in experimentation, causal inference, and performance evaluation.
  • Strong technical leadership and stakeholder management skills, including influencing architecture and mentoring teams.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field and 4 years of analytics experience, master's degree and 2 years of experience, or 6 years of related experience.

Benefits

  • Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • 401(k), stock purchase plan, and company-paid life insurance.
  • Paid time off, sick leave, parental leave, and family care leave.
  • Disability coverage, company discounts, and adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
  • Walmart-paid education programs.

Skills mentioned

PythonMachine LearningRecommendation SystemsDeep LearningTransformersLarge Language ModelsMLOpsModel DeploymentModel EvaluationDistributed Systems

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.

Retail10,001+ employeesBentonville, Arkansas