Principal Data Scientist - Search

About the Team

The Search Data Science team at Walmart is dedicated to creating a world-class search system tailored for Walmart's e-commerce customers. Our approach integrates state-of-the-art machine learning, data mining, and optimization algorithms on Walmart's exclusive online and in-store datasets, which encompass data on 95% of American households. Our mission is to develop intelligent data systems that deliver highly relevant and personalized search results, connecting shoppers to their preferred brands and products.

Our team comprises data scientists, big data specialists, and product visionaries working collaboratively to design, prototype, and build innovative technology-driven products and experiences that will transform e-commerce. We employ cutting-edge machine learning methods, enabling fast A/B testing, GPU/CPU-based online inference of both deep learning and traditional models, and event-driven architectures across varied markets, business models, and platforms. We seek inquisitive and seasoned data scientists to join this dynamic environment.

The data science community here engages actively in hackathons and leverages petabytes of data to innovate and create compelling solutions benefiting Walmart's operations, associates, and customers under our mission "Save Money to Live Better."

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize and develop advanced statistical models including deep neural networks and Bayesian frameworks, alongside various machine learning and optimization techniques.
• Create scalable and efficient models tailored to Walmart’s operational scale.
• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders, engineers, and scientific teams to devise impactful solutions for complex business challenges.
• Establish metrics to evaluate model performance and monitor business impact over time.
• Communicate insights and recommendations derived from complex analyses clearly and persuasively to influence business decisions.
• Champion Walmart’s quality standards and contribute to the establishment of best practices across the retail industry.
• Continuously advance data science and machine learning practices by staying abreast of and contributing to cutting-edge research.
• Embed data science solutions seamlessly into existing business workflows.
• Guide the creation and promotion of machine learning process standards suitable for retail applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Contribute peer reviews and publish in top-tier ML/AI conferences such as NIPS, ICML, AAAI, and COLT.
• Represent Walmart at external research conferences and technical venues.
• Promote adherence to company policies, ethical standards, and corporate values.

Candidate Qualifications

• PhD with over 10 years of relevant industry experience, OR a bachelor's degree with more than 14 years of experience, OR a master's degree with at least 12 years in a related field.
• Educational background preferably in Computer Science or other quantitative disciplines.
• Proven expertise in enhancing data science and ML practices by integrating industry best practices and advancing state-of-the-art methods.
• Track record of implementing data science solutions within business operations and developing retail-focused ML standards.
• Experience mentoring teams and handling multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Strong ability to collaborate with business units, driving algorithm-based recommendations into actionable business strategies.
• Engagement with academic and industry partners to foster innovation in a lab environment.
• Experience publishing in premier machine learning conferences and representing the company in scholarly forums.
• Support for company mission, values, and ethical standards.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with search technologies and deep learning, including large language models (LLMs).
• Background in e-commerce domains.

About Walmart Global Tech

At Walmart Global Tech, we aim to ease lives at scale through technology innovations impacting millions worldwide. We are a team of software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and other professionals advancing the future of retail. Our culture emphasizes people-first innovation, skill development, inclusion, and impactful work ranging from early-career opportunities to career-defining roles.

This position is based in Bangalore or Chennai offices, promoting flexibility to balance personal and professional life.

Benefits

• Attractive compensation along with performance-based incentive awards.
• Comprehensive benefits including maternity/parental leave, paid time off, health coverage, and more.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

Walmart fosters a culture where every associate feels valued and included, reflecting the diversity of our global operations. We are committed to equitable opportunity and celebrate a range of experiences, ideas, and identities.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that upholds ethics, respect, and integrity.

Additional Hiring Criteria

• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields with five years of analytical experience, a master's degree with three years' experience, or a minimum of seven years of experience in analytics or related roles.

Job Location

Block-1, Prestige Tech Pacific Park, Sy No. 38/1, Outer Ring Rd Kadubeesanahalli, Bengaluru, India.