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Staff, Software Engineer – Conversational AI

Position Summary...

What you'll do...

Cortex Team is Walmart’s core A.I. conversational platform, powering the vision of delivering the world’s best personal assistants to Walmart’s customers, accessible via natural voice commands, text messages, rich UI interactions, and a mix of all of the above via multi-modal experiences.

We believe conversations are a natural and powerful user interface for interacting with technology and enable a richer customer experiences – both online and in-store. We are building and designing the next generation of Natural Language Understanding (NLU) services that other teams can easily integrate and leverage, and build rich experiences: from pure voice and text shopping assistants (Siri, Sparky), to customer care channels, to mobile apps with rich, intertwined, multi-modal interaction modes (Me@Walmart).

Interested in diving in?

We need solid engineers with the talent and expertise required to design, build, improve and evolve our capabilities in at least some of the following areas:

  • Service oriented architecture in charge of exposing our NLU capabilities at scale, and enabling increasingly sophisticated model orchestration.
    • Since the service takes in traffic for a large set of Walmart customers (that is 80% of American households!), you will get to solve non trivial challenges in terms of service scalability and availability.
    • You will design and build the primitives to efficiently orchestrate model-serving microservices, taking into account their dependencies, and improving the combined latency and robustness of such microservices (e.g. fan out in parallel to N services for a single request, and reply with whichever gives the fastest answer).
    • You will also bake-in functionality which can drive improved machine learning modeling and experimental design, such as A/B testing.
  • Model serving and operations
    • There is a constant tension between model improvements (more computations) and model serving latency. So, we are always in a quest of crunching more numbers, while preserving our SLAs, and controlling the operational costs.
    • You will guide our efforts to always find the best tradeoffs in terms of architecture, tooling (Tensorflow serving? / ONNYX? / Triton?) and infrastructure (CPU? / GPU?, GCP? / Azure?) for model serving – based on the latest model developments and product requirements.
    • In particular, you will drive principled and scientific load-testing efforts, to clearly identify the tradeoffs at hands, and tune/optimize the model-serving stack.
    • If interested, you will also get some opportunity to work on prompt engineering and agentic systems.
  • Tooling, infrastructure and pipelines for reproducible workflow and models, enabling rapid innovation across the entire product lifecycle.
    • You will author and maintain pipelines that safely build and deploy models to production via continuous deployment.
    • You will achieve scalable and efficient resource management capabilities (cloud infrastructure).
    • You will provide robust and built-in diagnostics for quality control throughout.
    • You will integrate – or build – labeling tools which can seamlessly integrate at the heart of our conversation data store (GCP, BigQuery) and intertwine multiple labeling sources of various confidence levels.

Come at the right time, and you will have an enormous opportunity to make a massive impact on the design, architecture, and implementation of an innovative, mission critical product, used every day, by people you know, and which customers love.

As part of the emerging tech group, you will also have the additional opportunity of building demos, proof of concepts, creating white papers, writing blogs, etc.

Note that this is not a fully remote job, you are required to come to the office (currently at least 2 days a week).

Minimum Qualifications

  • 6 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.
  • Solid data skills, sound computer-science fundamentals, and strong programming experience.
  • Deep hands-on technical expertise in full-stack development.
  • Programming experience with at least one modern language with an efficient runtime, such as Scala, Java, C++, or C#.
  • Experience with at least one relational database technology such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, or MS SQL.
  • Some level of fluency in Python (lingua-franca of our data-scientists).
  • Understanding of the challenge of distributed data-processing at scale.
  • Deal well with ambiguous/undefined problems; ability to think abstractly.
  • Ability to take a project from scoping requirements through actual launch.
  • A continuous drive to explore, improve, enhance, automate, and optimize systems and tools.
  • Capacity to apply scientific analysis and mathematical modeling techniques to predict, measure and evaluate the consequences of designs and the ongoing success of our platform.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Bachelor’s degree or certification in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or any other related field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Large scale distributed systems experience, including scalability and fault tolerance.
  • Experience taking a leading role in building complex data-driven software systems successfully delivered to customers
  • Relentless focus on scalability, latency, performance robustness, and cost trade-offs – especially those present in highly virtualized, elastic, cloud-based environments.
  • Exposure to cloud infrastructure, such as Open Stack, Azure, GCP, or AWS as well as infrastructure management tech (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Experience building/operating highly available systems of data extraction, ingestion, and massively parallel processing for large data sets. In particular experience in building large scale data pipelines using big data technologies (e.g. Spark / Kafka / Cassandra / Hadoop / Hive / BigQuery / Presto / Airflow).
  • Hands-on expertise in many disparate technologies, typically ranging from front-end user interfaces through to back-end systems and all points in between.
  • Familiarity with Machine Learning concepts & processes
  • Masters or PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Math, or equivalent.

About Walmart Global Tech
Imagine working in an environment where one line of code can make life easier for hundreds of millions of people. That’s what we do at Walmart Global Tech. We’re a team of software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity expert's and service professionals within the world’s leading retailer who make an epic impact and are at the forefront of the next retail disruption. People are why we innovate, and people power our innovations.

We are people-led and tech-empowered. We train our team in the skillsets of the future and bring in experts like you to help us grow. We have roles for those chasing their first opportunity as well as those looking for the opportunity that will define their career. Here, you can kickstart a great career in tech, gain new skills and experience for virtually every industry, or leverage your expertise to innovate at scale, impact millions and reimagine the future of retail.

Walmart’s culture is a competitive advantage, and it’s fostered by being together. Working together in person allows us to collaborate, align quickly and innovate with greater speed.  We use our campuses to create purposeful connection rooted in deepening understanding and investing in the development of our associates.  

Our hubs: Walmart is a global company with offices across the United States and around the world. Our global headquarters is in Bentonville, Arkansas, with primary hubs in the San Francisco Bay area and New York/New Jersey. 


Benefits:
Benefits: Beyond our great compensation package, you can receive incentive awards for your performance. Other great perks include 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
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, ideas and opinions – while being inclusive of all people.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed in the role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The full Job Description can be made available as part of the hiring process.

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 and 4 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.Option 2: 6 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 2 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
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Average salary estimate

$214500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$143000K
$286000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Staff, Software Engineer – Conversational AI, Walmart

Are you ready to join Walmart's innovative Cortex Team as a Staff Software Engineer – Conversational AI? Located in the vibrant city of Sunnyvale, CA, you'll be integral to delivering world-class personal assistant experiences to Walmart's customers. Imagine crafting cutting-edge Natural Language Understanding (NLU) services that can power everything from voice-activated shopping assistants to interactive mobile apps. We believe that natural conversations can enhance customer experiences, whether online or in-store. If you have a talent for designing and improving robust architectures that handle huge volumes of traffic, you will thrive here. You’ll tackle challenges like scalability and availability while orchestrating model-serving microservices with efficiency and speed. Additionally, you’ll implement features that enhance machine learning modeling and aid in conducting rigorous A/B testing. At Walmart, we value engineers who possess strong programming skills, experience with distributed systems, and a passion for exploring new technologies. Your contributions will directly impact millions of customers by helping to create features and infrastructure that drive a unique and seamless shopping experience. As part of an emerging tech group, you'll have opportunities to create demos, write blogs, and showcase your work, making a substantial impact on our technology landscape. Join us and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI technology!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff, Software Engineer – Conversational AI Role at Walmart
What are the key responsibilities of a Staff Software Engineer – Conversational AI at Walmart?

As a Staff Software Engineer – Conversational AI at Walmart, you'll be responsible for designing and building scalable Natural Language Understanding (NLU) services. These services support various interactive platforms, enhancing customer experience through AI. You'll manage model-serving microservices, focusing on latency and performance, while improving deployment processes and collaborating with data scientists to drive machine learning initiatives.

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What qualifications are required for the Staff Software Engineer – Conversational AI position at Walmart?

To qualify for the Staff Software Engineer – Conversational AI position at Walmart, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related fields, or 6 years of equivalent experience. Additionally, strong programming skills in languages like Scala, Java, or Python, along with experience in full-stack development and distributed systems, are essential.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What technologies will I work with as a Staff Software Engineer – Conversational AI at Walmart?

In the Staff Software Engineer – Conversational AI role at Walmart, you will engage with a broad range of technologies, including GCP, cloud infrastructure, TensorFlow, and Docker among others. Familiarity with big data technologies such as Spark and Kafka will also be beneficial as you develop and optimize advanced conversational AI systems.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How does Walmart support its engineers' career growth in the Staff Software Engineer – Conversational AI role?

Walmart emphasizes continuous learning and professional development for its Staff Software Engineers – Conversational AI. With access to mentorship programs, workshops, and educational benefits like Live Better U, engineers can further their technical skills while contributing significantly to innovation within the company.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is the company culture like at Walmart for the Staff Software Engineer – Conversational AI role?

Walmart’s culture for Staff Software Engineers – Conversational AI is rooted in collaboration and innovation. The company fosters an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, actively promoting work-life balance and teamwork. Regular in-office interactions also help to align teams effectively, enhancing overall productivity.

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Common Interview Questions for Staff, Software Engineer – Conversational AI
Can you explain your experience with Natural Language Understanding (NLU) technologies?

When responding to this question, focus on your hands-on experience implementing NLU systems. Discuss specific projects where you've utilized tools and libraries, the challenges faced, and how you optimized the NLU processes. Highlight your understanding of conversational AI frameworks and how they relate to customer experience.

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How do you handle scalability challenges in software development?

Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities by discussing techniques you've used to ensure software scalability, such as distributed architectures, caching strategies, and load balancing. Provide concrete examples where your approach significantly improved system performance under high traffic.

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What programming languages are you most proficient in, and how have you applied them in your projects?

Use this question to showcase your proficiency in relevant programming languages like Scala, Java, or Python. Share specific examples of projects, mentioning the language used and how it was suited for that project's requirements. Illustrate how you tackled programming challenges effectively.

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Describe your experience with cloud technologies and infrastructure management.

Explain your hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as GCP or Azure. Discuss the specific services you've used, how you've implemented them in projects, and your understanding of infrastructure management tools like Docker and Kubernetes to ensure efficient deployment of applications.

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Can you talk about a project where you improved a system's performance?

This is your opportunity to illustrate your analytical skills. Detail a project where you identified performance bottlenecks, the steps you took to analyze and resolve them, and the metrics that demonstrate the improvements made. Focus on the impact on user experience and operational efficiency.

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What role does data play in your software engineering process?

Discuss your approach to data-driven decision-making in software development. Highlight how you use data to guide architecture decisions, model improvements, or feature development. Mention any relevant experience with A/B testing or similar methodologies to validate your hypotheses.

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Have you worked in an Agile development environment? How did you contribute?

If applicable, share your experience in Agile environments, focusing on your contribution to sprints, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives. Describe how this methodology affected your workflow and the ways you collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver successful results.

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How do you approach troubleshooting and debugging in your projects?

Highlight your systematic approach to troubleshooting. Discuss the techniques you use to identify the root cause of issues, the tools you prefer for debugging, and your strategies for documenting and communicating these findings to the team to drive resolution effectively.

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What is your approach to continuous learning in technology?

Express your passion for continuous self-improvement and keeping up with industry trends. Share the resources you utilize, such as online courses, blogs, or developer communities, and how you apply this acquired knowledge to improve your work and contribute to team projects.

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Can you give an example of how you’ve implemented feedback in your software development process?

Talk about a specific instance where you received feedback on your work and how you integrated that into future projects. Highlight the positive outcomes of incorporating feedback and your willingness to improve based on input from team members or stakeholders.

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DATE POSTED
April 11, 2025

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