Director, Data Science
Job Description
Position Summary...
What you'll do...
The Director of ML Research & Governance will lead the strategic vision and execution of machine learning research, model governance, and anomaly detection initiatives within the fraud prevention domain. This role is pivotal in shaping how ML models are developed, validated, monitored, and governed across the enterprise to ensure robust, ethical, and high-impact fraud detection capabilities. The ideal leader will combine deep expertise in ML research with a strong governance mindset, driving innovation while safeguarding model integrity, fairness, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
· Leadership & Team Development
o Build and scale a multidisciplinary ML research and governance team, comprising research scientists, data analysts, and ML governance specialists.
o Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
o Define clear roles, responsibilities, and success metrics aligned with organizational goals.
· Strategic Vision & Roadmap
o Develop and own the long-term roadmap for ML research, model governance frameworks, and anomaly detection systems focused on fraud risk.
o Align ML governance initiatives with regulatory requirements, ethical AI principles, and industry best practices.
o Lead cross-functional partnerships with product, engineering, data science, compliance, and legal teams to embed governance into every stage of the ML lifecycle.
· Advanced ML Research & Innovation
o Drive cutting-edge research into emerging ML techniques such as agentic AI, semi-supervised learning, self-learning classifiers, and anomaly detection tailored to evolving fraud patterns.
o Collaborate with core ML/AI research organizations internally and externally to adopt state-of-the-art methodologies and tools.
o Lead prototyping and experimentation efforts to evaluate new AI capabilities and integrate them into fraud workflows.
· Model Governance & Risk Management
o Design and implement comprehensive model governance frameworks that cover model development, validation, deployment, monitoring, drift detection, explainability, and risk mitigation.
o Establish automated monitoring dashboards and alerting mechanisms for real-time anomaly and risk detection.
o Lead initiatives to ensure transparency, fairness, bias mitigation, and accountability in all deployed models.
o Drive continuous improvement in model lifecycle processes to enhance accuracy, reliability, and compliance with evolving standards.
· Operational Excellence & Collaboration
o Partner closely with Data Science, Solutions Engineering, and Platform teams to operationalize ML research outputs into scalable and maintainable production systems.
o Collaborate with internal audit, compliance, and external regulators to provide necessary documentation and evidence of governance practices.
o Influence organizational culture toward responsible AI adoption and continuous governance maturity.
· Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement
o Represent the organization in industry forums, academic partnerships, and regulatory discussions related to AI governance and fraud detection research.
o Publish research findings, contribute to whitepapers, and present at conferences to establish the company as a leader in ML governance for fraud prevention.
o Stay abreast of emerging trends in AI ethics, model governance, and fraud technology to proactively guide organizational strategy.
Qualifications
· 12+ years of experience in machine learning research, data science, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role driving ML governance, risk management, or fraud-related analytics is preferred.
· Strong technical expertise in advanced ML techniques including supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised learning, anomaly detection, explainable AI, and continual learning.
· Proven track record in building and operationalizing ML governance frameworks at scale, preferably in fraud prevention, financial services, or highly regulated industries.
· Deep understanding of ethical AI principles, bias mitigation strategies, and regulatory compliance
· Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including legal, compliance, engineering, and product management.
· Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business impact and governance narratives.
· Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative discipline.
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 https://one.walmart.com/notices.
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 One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $169,000.00-$338,000.00
Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.
Additional compensation for certain positions may also include:
- Stock
Minimum Qualifications...
Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.
Option 1: Bachelors degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 6 years' experience in an analytics related field.Option 2: Masters degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 4 years' experience in an analytics related field.
Option 3: 8 years' experience in an analytics or related field
Preferred Qualifications...
Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.
Data science, machine learning, optimization models, PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Information Technology, Operations Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, Successful completion of one or more assessments in Python, Spark, Scala, or R, Supervisory experience, Using open source frameworks (for example, scikit learn, tensorflow, torch), 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...
840 W California Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086-4828, United States of America
