(USA) Principal, Software Engineer

Position Summary...

Principal, Software Engineer - Generative AI / Machine Learning Engineer for Connected TV Innovation 

We’re building the next generation of AI‑powered experiences on smart TVs—think on‑device large‑language‑models, real‑time content understanding, privacy‑preserving audience insights, and interactive generative graphics that transform millions of households to discover, shop, and play. You will be one of the first engineers bridging deep‑learning research with production code on consumer electronics hardware. 

What you'll do...

Design & train GenAI models targeting CTV use‑cases: on‑device LLM quantization, multimodal video‑text encoders, and diffusion‑based visual experience generators. 

Deploy to edge environments – optimize PyTorch/TensorFlow models with ONNX‑RT/TVM, Arm NN, or Qualcomm SNPE; own CI/CD pipelines that push updates to millions of TVs. 

Integrate privacy‑enhancing tech such as federated learning, encrypted feature extraction, and PSI to align with global data regulations and Walmart stack. 

Prototype novel user features (e.g., conversational search, generative ad creatives, adaptive picture modes) in collaboration with product, design, and ad‑tech teams. 

Publish & share – file patents, present at CVPR/NeurIPS, mentor junior ML engineers, and contribute to open‑source edge‑AI tooling. 

Must‑Have Qualifications 

• 15+ years building and shipping ML or DL products (or 2+ with a PhD degree). 

• Proven track record in generative models (LLMs, diffusion, transformers, VAEs) and modern CV/NLP stacks. 

• C++ / Rust and Python expertise; comfortable refactoring kernels for efficiency on limited‑memory devices. 

• Hands‑on experience with edge inference (TensorRT, CoreML, TVM, ONNX, TFLite, WebGPU, or similar). 

• Familiarity with CTV / ACR pipelines (frame grabbers, fingerprinting, video embeddings) or embedded multimedia systems. 

• Strong grasp of distributed training (DDP/Horovod) and MLOps (Kubeflow, Airflow, MLFlow, Feature stores). 

• Knowledge of data‑privacy frameworks (FL, DP‑SGD, HE, SMPC) and ability to translate compliance constraints into code. 

• Bachelor’s or higher in CS, EE, Math, or related field. 

Nice‑to‑Have 

• Background in ad‑tech or retail media optimization (incrementally, real‑time ROAS, auction dynamics). 

• Experience optimizing models for ARM Cortex‑A, NEON, NPU, or VVC ASICs inside smart‑TV SoCs. 

• Contributions to OSS projects in quantization, model compression, or video ML (e.g., bits‑and‑bytes, MLC‑AI, PyTorch‑Video). 

• Familiarity with incrementality measurement, attribution, and real‑time auction dynamics (e.g., bid shading, floor price optimization). 

• Working knowledge of data‑privacy frameworks (FL, DP‑SGD, HE, SMPC) and ID resolutions (UID2, RampID, SharedID). 

• Publications/patents in generative media, multimodal learning, or ACR. 

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.

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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.

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For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.

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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.

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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.

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For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.

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The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00-$286,000.00

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Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

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Additional compensation for certain positions may also include:

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- Stock

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Minimum 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 and5 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...

680 West California Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086-4834, United States of America