Distinguished, Data Scientist

Position Summary

We are seeking a Distinguished Data Scientist to provide technical leadership and long‑term vision for next‑generation AI, simulation, and digital twin capabilities across Walmart US Retail. This senior individual contributor will drive breakthrough system design and advanced solution development that transforms retail operations at scale—from strategic supply chain and workforce optimization to immersive digital twins and agentic AI systems. The role combines deep technical expertise (ML, simulation, optimization, agentic AI) with cross‑functional influence, mentoring of senior talent, and delivery of high‑impact, productionized solutions.

The Retail Intelligence team focuses on AI discovery, research, and the design of algorithmic solutions to improve operational efficiency across Walmart stores. We specialize in rapid prototyping of machine learning, agentic AI, and simulation models, and translate these prototypes into scalable, production systems that deliver measurable business impact. The team partners closely with engineering, product, UX, and retail operations to ensure solutions are operationally realistic and widely adoptable.

• Provide technical vision and lead advanced development in digital twins, simulation, reinforcement learning, and agentic AI for retail operations
• Architect and co‑design large‑scale simulation and AI systems integrating retail data pipelines for near‑real‑time insights
• Lead high‑impact projects end‑to‑end: problem framing, modeling, prototyping, production architecture, and rollout
• Author and review technical designs and standards; present findings to senior leadership
• Mentor senior data scientists and engineers—raising the technical bar across teams
• Establish best practices for model validation, experimentation, and safe deployment of AI systems
• Influence roadmap prioritization and long‑term strategy for AI and simulation capabilities

• Work with retail domain experts to ensure solutions reflect real operational constraints and KPIs
• Partner with engineering, UX, and platform teams to enable scalable integration and visualization
• Represent the team in executive forums and advocate for high‑impact AI investments

• Strong expertise in simulation modeling and/or advanced ML/AI systems
• Experience deploying production‑grade AI systems at scale
• Experience with agentic AI or intelligent systems
• Strong software engineering skills and experience with cloud/data systems
• Proven track record of technical impact (systems, products, or research)
• Ability to mentor senior talent and influence cross‑functional initiatives
• Familiarity with visualization or simulation environments

• M.Sc. in a relevant quantitative field or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of experience in data science, ML, or simulation with demonstrated impact

• PhD in a related field with relevant industry experience
• Data science, machine learning, optimization models, PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Operations Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or related disciplines; successful completion of Python, Spark, Scala, or R assessments; supervisory experience; proficiency with open‑source frameworks such as scikit‑learn, Tensor Flow, and Py Torch

Primary location: 802 Respect Dr, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America

At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance‑based bonus awards and a comprehensive benefits package. Health benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage. Financial benefits cover 401(k), stock purchase, and company‑paid life insurance. Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting are also provided. Additional benefits include short‑term and long‑term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.

Information about benefits and eligibility can be found on our internal portal.

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, abilities, ideas, and opinions—while being inclusive of all people.