Principal, Machine Learning Engineer

The Principal, Machine Learning Engineer will lead the design and development of scalable, production-grade machine learning systems to tackle complex business challenges at Walmart. This role spans end-to-end ML pipeline architecture, advanced modeling innovation, and responsible deployment practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and guide 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.
• Advance applied machine learning using 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 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.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing and architecting scalable, production-grade machine learning systems aligned with business objectives.
• Proficiency with ML frameworks including TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn, plus 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.
• Proven ability to lead technical strategy, mentor engineers, and influence cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with ML model validation, hyperparameter optimization, and MLOps best practices.
• Excellent critical thinking and technical writing capabilities to communicate complex concepts clearly.

Technologies

• TensorFlow
• PyTorch
• Scikit-learn
• Python
• Java
• SQL

About the Team

The International Recommendations Platform team builds a multi-tenant framework delivering personalized experiences across Walmart International sites. The team focuses on Machine Learning and AI innovation to improve customer engagement and business outcomes, using cloud-native architecture and software design patterns to create scalable and resilient solutions. Collaboration is emphasized through API design, system reviews, and data-driven decisions, with continuous improvement supported by DevOps engineering and software prototyping for accelerated delivery and high-quality standards in a dynamic environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 5 years of experience in software engineering, machine learning engineering, AI systems, or related area.
• Option 2: 7 years of experience in software engineering, machine learning engineering, AI systems, or related area.
• Additionally: 2 years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 3 years of experience in software engineering, machine learning engineering, AI systems, or related area.
• Prior work experience in accessibility best practices.
• Prior work experience creating inclusive digital experiences, including knowledge of implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly.

Location and Work Mode

Sunnyvale, CA (onsite). Primary location: 815 Eleventh Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-4731, United States of America.

Compensation

USD 169,000 - 338,000 per yearly.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Performance-based bonus awards
• Medical, vision and dental coverage
• 401(k)
• Stock purchase
• Company-paid life insurance
• PTO (including sick leave)
• Parental leave
• Family care leave
• Bereavement
• Jury duty
• Voting
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Company discounts
• Military Leave Pay
• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
• Live Better U (Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates)