Job title: Principal Software Engineer – AI Systems
Company: Walmart
Job description: Position Summary…What you’ll do…What you’ll do1. AI Systems EngineeringDesign and implement large-scale, production-grade AI systems that integrate LLMs and Generative AI into real-world applications.Build frameworks that support Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agentic workflows, and multi-step reasoning at scale.Ensure models and agents are production-ready with strong observability, monitoring, and performance optimization.2. Architecture & ScalabilityArchitect distributed, fault-tolerant systems capable of supporting high-throughput AI workloads.Lead the design of modular, extensible, and reusable components to accelerate AI adoption across teams.Build MVPs quickly, validate assumptions, and iterate toward scalable long-term solutions.3. Integration & DeliveryPartner with product and platform teams to integrate AI into customer-facing and enterprise-grade applications.Define and enforce standards for APIs, services, and infrastructure that enable seamless AI adoption.Balance functional requirements with non-functional goals such as reliability, latency, and security.4. Leadership & MentorshipDrive technical strategy for AI initiatives and guide teams in best practices for AI-driven software development.Mentor engineers across software and AI domains to elevate overall technical expertise.Contribute to thought leadership in AI engineering through internal frameworks, design patterns, and re-usable components.What you’ll bring12+ years of experience in software engineering (backend, distributed systems, large-scale platforms), with 2+ years applying Generative AI/LLMs in production.Proven expertise in distributed computing, cloud-native architectures (GCP, Azure, or AWS), and systems that prioritize scalability and fault tolerance.Strong coding skills in Python (preferred) and at least one system-level language (Java, Go, or C++).Experience with ML/AI frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face) as a plus, but applied in the context of building systems, not just training models.Deep knowledge of RAG pipelines, vector databases, and real-time data integration.Familiarity with resilience engineering: disaster recovery, failover, monitoring, and high availability.Exposure to multi-modal AI (text, image, video) and optimization techniques (quantization, distillation) is advantageous.Strong grounding in system design, performance engineering, and design patterns.Track record of delivering production systems with AI at scale, not just research or prototyping.Key Positioning ShiftMoved model training/fine-tuning to secondary importance → framed as a plus, not the core.Emphasized distributed systems, cloud, APIs, reliability, and software engineering fundamentals.Framed role as “AI Systems Engineer” / “AI Engineer” instead of “ML Engineer.”Highlighted production integration and customer-facing impact, which appeals to senior software engineers.Equal Opportunity EmployerWalmart, 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 unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas, and opinions – while being inclusive of all people.At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.For information about PTO, see . Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor’s degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.For information about benefits and eligibility, see . The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00-$286,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include: – StockMinimum Qualifications…Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no 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 or related area.
Option 2: 7 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.Preferred Qualifications…Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no 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 or related area., We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture.Primary Location…1395 Crossman Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1114, United States of AmericaWalmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.About WalmartAt Walmart, we help people save money so they can live better. This mission serves as the foundation for every decision we make, from responsible sourcing to sustainability-and everything in between. As a Walmart associate, you will play an integral role in shaping the future of retail, tech, merchandising, finance and hundreds of other industries-all while affecting the lives of millions of customers all over the world. Here, your work makes an impact every day. What are you waiting for?Walmart Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 unique styles, experiences, identities, abilities, ideas and opinions- while welcoming all people.Walmart is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.Hello, Silicon ValleyYou don’t have to choose between your career and your lifestyle in Silicon Valley. Here, you can have both.BeautyFiloli Gardens, WoodsideView an art exhibit, take a nature hike, explore the historic Filoli House, or take a class at this gorgeous 654-acre property.ArtSFMOMAGet your art fix at this internationally recognized collection of over 30,000 works of modern and contemporary art.EducationComputer History MuseumLarge-scale exhibits, an acclaimed speaker series, docent-led tours and an award-winning education program bring computer history to life.PurposeThe DishHike or jog throughout the year on terrain dedicated to academic programs, environmental restoration and habitat conservation.ExploreGolden Gate Park, SFEvents, attractions, meadows, lakes, and a Japanese Tea Garden provide for a true escape, without leaving the city.ImagineThe Tech MuseumThis family-friendly interactive science and technology center in San Jose provides a glimpse into the most inventive place on Earth – Silicon Valley.ShopSantana Row – San JoseStylish boutiques, world-class shopping, and delectable cuisine = a San Jose shopping trifecta.DisconnectPacifica State BeachLearn to surf or visit the “World’s Most Scenic Taco Bell” at this 0.75 mile long crescent shaped escape, a symbol of successful habitat restoration.ReflectGolden Gate CemeteryThis national cemetery comprises 161 acres dedicated to all the members of the armed forces who served our country.All the benefits you need for you and your family
- Multiple health plan options, including vision & dental plans for you & dependents
- Financial benefits including 401(k), stock purchase plans, life insurance and more
- Associate discounts in-store and online
- Education assistance for Associate and dependents
- Parental Leave
- Pay during military service
- Paid Time off – to include vacation, sick, parental
- Short-term and long-term disability for when you can’t work because of injury, illness, or childbirth
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms. For information about benefits and eligibility, see .Frequently asked questionsOn average, how long does it take to fill out an application?It depends on the role you are applying to. We do our best to keep the application process to approximately 15-20 minutes, plus an additional 20-30 minutes if an assessment is required. Further applications are faster as our system saves your data. Not all roles require an assessment and certain roles may require additional assessments.Can I change my application after submitting?No, you cannot change your application after submitting, so please make sure that everything is finalized before you hit the submit button.How do you protect my personal information?Processing of information on paper is minimal, and Walmart processes application information using an applicant tracking system (ATS). Access to the data within the ATS is restricted to authorized personnel, and the system itself is held to high security standards by Walmart.What are the recommended Internet Browsers for applying for open roles?We recommend Google Chrome 12+ for the best user experience. However, the following browsers may also be used:
- Firefox 115+
- Microsoft Edge 44+
- Safari 5.0+
Recently viewed jobs©2025 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 unique styles, experiences, identities, abilities, ideas and opinions- while welcoming all people. Walmart Inc. participates in E-Verify. Learn more about
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Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Job date: Sun, 12 Oct 2025 06:50:34 GMT
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