Distinguished Data Scientist

Walmart

Distinguished Data Scientist shaping Walmart’s AI research agenda for search and personalization. Influencing product architecture, executive strategy, and large-scale customer discovery.

Posted 8/24/2026full-timeSunnyvale • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $169,000 - $338,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Expertise in AI research and technical strategy, particularly in Search, Recommendations, and Personalization, with a strong focus on deep learning and generative AI. Proven ability to influence product roadmaps and grow scientific talent while aligning AI investments with company strategy.

Highest-signal resume keywords

AI Research StrategyDeep Learning ExpertiseSearch and PersonalizationCausal InferenceExceptional Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Deep LearningTransformer ArchitecturesGenerative AICausal InferenceA/B TestingOnline/Offline EvaluationAnalyticsStatisticsMathematicsComputer Science

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsTeam Culture ShapingLeadership

Certifications & Qualifications

PhD in Computer SciencePhD in Machine LearningPhD in Statistics

Industry Keywords

SearchRecommendationsPersonalizationAI CapabilitiesProduct RoadmapsEngineering ArchitectureScientific Talent GrowthCommunity LeadershipPublicationsPatents

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set the multi-year AI research and technical strategy for Search and Personalization
Identify transformational problem spaces before they become obvious
Pioneer novel approaches to retrieval, ranking, personalization, and generative discovery
Define Walmart’s position on emerging AI capabilities and translate it into product and platform investments
Influence product roadmaps and engineering architecture at the VP/SVP level
Partner with senior leadership to align AI investments with company strategy
Represent Walmart’s science externally through publications, patents, and community leadership
Shape the direction of the discipline across Walmart and the broader AI research community
Grow senior scientific talent and shape team culture

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 6 years' experience in an analytics related field; or Master’s degree in one of these fields and 4 years' experience; or 8 years' experience in an analytics or related field
Recognized expertise in Search, Recommendations, or Personalization at scale
Publication or patent record reflecting original contributions
Deep command of deep learning, Transformer architectures, and Generative AI applied to production Search and discovery systems
Proven ability to define technical strategy and drive company-level impact across multi-year horizons
Strong command of causal inference, A/B testing, and reliable online/offline evaluation
Exceptional communication skills with senior leadership
History of growing senior scientific talent and shaping team culture
PhD in CS, ML, or Statistics preferred; equivalent demonstrated impact accepted
Drug-free workplace policy applies to all employees

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health benefits including medical, vision and dental coverage
401(k)
Stock purchase
Company-paid life insurance
PTO, including sick leave
Parental leave
Family care leave
Bereavement leave
Jury duty leave
Voting leave
Short-term and long-term disability
Company discounts
Military Leave Pay
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
PTO and/or PPTO for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes
Live Better U Walmart-paid education benefit program
Tuition, books, and fees completely paid for by Walmart
Annual or quarterly performance bonuses
Stock compensation may apply to certain positions