Principal, Machine Learning Engineer

The Principal, Machine Learning Engineer will lead the design and development of scalable, production-grade machine learning systems that address complex business challenges across customer-facing and operational products.

Location

Sunnyvale, CA (onsite)

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

Salary

USD 169,000 - 338,000 per year

Summary

This role owns end-to-end machine learning pipeline architecture, advances modeling approaches, and ensures reliable deployment, monitoring, and responsible AI practices.

Responsibilities

• 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 using advanced modeling techniques, including 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.

Requirements

• Extensive experience designing and architecting scalable, production-grade machine learning systems aligned with business objectives.
• Proficiency with machine learning frameworks including TensorFlow, PyTorch, and 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.

Technologies

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

About the Team

• The International Recommendations Platform team develops a multi-tenant framework delivering personalized experiences across Walmart International sites.
• Team members pioneer innovation in Machine Learning and AI to improve customer engagement and business outcomes.
• Using cloud-native architecture and software design patterns, the team builds scalable, resilient solutions.
• Collaboration is emphasized, including API design, system reviews, and data-driven decision-making.
• Continuous improvement is supported through DevOps engineering and software prototyping to accelerate delivery and maintain 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’ 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 of supervisory experience.

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, including knowledge of implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility into digital experiences.

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)

Primary Location Address

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