(USA) Principal, Machine Learning Engineer

Role summary

The Principal, Machine Learning Engineer will lead the design and development of scalable, production-grade ML systems that address complex business challenges. This role involves architecting end-to-end ML pipelines, driving innovation in advanced modeling techniques, and ensuring robust deployment and monitoring practices.

The position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to align ML solutions with organizational goals while mentoring technical staff and promoting engineering excellence. The successful candidate will apply sound technical judgment, foster continuous improvement, and contribute to Walmart's reputation through technical leadership and knowledge sharing.

What you'll do

• Architect and guide the development of scalable, production-grade machine learning systems integrated into customer-facing and operational products.
• Lead end-to-end ML lifecycle execution, including data sourcing, feature engineering, model training, deployment, and monitoring.
• Drive innovation in applied ML through advanced modeling techniques such as deep learning, NLP, reinforcement learning, and multimodal approaches.
• Mentor engineering teams, influence architectural decisions, and promote technical excellence across ML disciplines.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align ML solutions with platform strategies and ensure seamless integration with downstream applications.
• Establish standards for model evaluation, fairness, and responsible AI compliance.
• Publish technical insights and contribute to Walmart's engineering knowledge base.

What you'll bring

• Extensive experience designing and architecting scalable, production-grade machine learning systems aligned with business objectives.
• Proficiency in ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, and programming languages including Python, Java, and SQL.
• Expertise in end-to-end ML lifecycle management, including data sourcing, feature engineering, model training, deployment, and monitoring.
• Strong background in advanced modeling techniques, including deep learning, NLP, reinforcement learning, and time series analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical strategy, mentor engineers, and influence cross-functional collaboration.
• Skilled in ML model validation, hyperparameter optimization, and MLOps best practices.
• Excellent critical thinking and technical writing capabilities to communicate complex concepts clearly.

Pay and benefits

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.

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 $169,000.00 - $338,000.00

Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

Additional compensation for certain positions may also include

• Stock

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., Prior work experience in accessibility best practices., Prior work experience 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.

Primary Location

815 Eleventh Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-4731, United States of America