Principal, Data Scientist | Personalization (Deep Reinforcement Learning Background)

**Please note that Sponsorship is NOT Available for this role.**

Walmart Global Tech is looking to hire an exceptionally talented Principal Data Scientist for their Personalization team in Sunnyvale to support the Personalization and Recommendation development efforts with our eCommerce team. The Principal Data Scientist will be a key player in our Data Science team, spearheading AI initiatives, research, and development of algorithmic solutions to construct extensive, personalized recommendations for our omni-channel retail platform. This role will explore and implement cutting-edge technologies, presenting an exciting opportunity to innovate and shape the future of retail personalization. As the Principal Data Scientist, you'll be responsible for the comprehensive implementation of Machine Learning algorithms and features, guiding a scrum team and working in synergy with a skilled team of Product Managers and Technologists to implement ML/AI solutions at scale. This role offers a unique chance to combine retail industry insights with machine learning algorithms, disrupting traditional business practices to reach our ambitious growth goals.

About Team:

Our team works closely with our US stores and eCommerce business to better serve customers by empowering team members, stores, and merchants with technological innovation. From groceries and entertainment to sporting goods and crafts, Walmart U.S. offers an extensive selection that our customers value, whether they shop online at Walmart.com, through one of our mobile apps, or in-store. Focus areas include customers, stores and employees, in-store service, merchant tools, merchant data science, and search and personalization.

What you'll do:

• Leverage machine learning technologies such as Java, Python, Pyspark, Tensorflow, and PyTorch to design, develop, and implement high-performance, scalable applications for personalized recommendations.
• Create robust machine learning models using structured and unstructured data sets and advanced algorithms, including Neural Networks, Regression Models, and Gradient Boosting Algorithms.
• Work closely with Product and engineering leaders to drive and expedite innovations in discovery experiences through insights, frameworks, causal inference solutions, and machine learning prototypes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand their requirements and implement data-driven solutions, consistently enhancing our personalization and recommendation capabilities.

What you'll bring:

• Education: PHD or Masters in Computer Science, Statistics or Mathematics with 5 Years of Industry Experience.
• Solid Understanding of Machine Learning and AI: Candidates should have a strong understanding of various machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence, and deep learning techniques, including but not limited to neural networks, regression models, gradient boosting algorithms, reinforcement learning, and large language models. They should have experience in developing models with both structured and unstructured data sets.
• Deep understanding of reinforcement learning techniques: Candidates should have a strong background in reinforcement learning, long-term reward optimization, deep Q-learning.
• Proficiency in Programming and Data Analysis: Candidates should have high proficiency in languages such as Java, Python, Pyspark, and experience with machine learning frameworks like Tensorflow and PyTorch. They should have the ability to design and develop high-performance applications using these technologies. Additionally, they should possess strong knowledge in data analysis methods like dimensionality reduction, predictive modeling, clustering, and text mining for effective feature engineering.
• Experience in Large Scale Applied ML Model Building: Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully building, deploying, and maintaining large-scale machine learning models in a production environment. This includes managing large volumes of data, optimizing model performance, and ensuring the scalability of the solution.
• Experience with MLOps framework to create, build and deploy data science algorithms, continuously test and personalize user experience.

About Walmart Global Tech:

Imagine working in an environment where one line of code can make life easier for hundreds of millions of people. That’s what we do at Walmart Global Tech. We’re a team of software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity expert's and service professionals within the world’s leading retailer who make an epic impact and are at the forefront of the next retail disruption. People are why we innovate, and people power our innovations. We are people-led and tech-empowered. We train our team in the skillsets of the future and bring in experts like you to help us grow. We have roles for those chasing their first opportunity as well as those looking for the opportunity that will define their career. Here, you can kickstart a great career in tech, gain new skills and experience for virtually every industry, or leverage your expertise to innovate at scale, impact millions and reimagine the future of retail.

Walmart’s culture is a competitive advantage, and it’s fostered by being together. Working together in person allows us to collaborate, align quickly and innovate with greater speed. We use our campuses to create purposeful connection rooted in deepening understanding and investing in the development of our associates.

Our hubs: Walmart is a global company with offices across the United States and around the world. Our global headquarters is in Bentonville, Arkansas, with primary hubs in the San Francisco Bay area and New York/New Jersey.

Benefits:

Benefits: Beyond our great compensation package, you can receive incentive awards for your performance. Other great perks include 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Walmart, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer – By Choice. We believe we are best equipped to help our associates, customers and the communities we serve live better when we really know them. That means understanding, respecting and valuing diversity- unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas and opinions – while being inclusive of all people.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed in the role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The full Job Description can be made available as part of the hiring process.