Senior Staff Data Scientist Jobs in California
Senior Staff Data Scientist jobs in California represent one of the most active markets for the role in the country, with demand concentrated in technology, biotech, financial services, and enterprise software across seniority levels from mid-level data scientist through distinguished scientist. The largest hiring hubs are San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Google, Meta, and Kaiser Permanente maintain deep data science organizations. The most sought-after specialties in California include machine learning engineering, causal inference, and large language model development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 72+ Senior Staff Data Scientist jobs
Position Summary...
What you'll do...
Role summary:As a Staff Data Scientist at Walmart, you will leverage advanced analytical techniques and machine learning to transform complex data into actionable business insights. This role requires expertise in data strategy, model development, and validation to support decision-making across multiple domains. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable solutions, develop predictive models, build auto-research capabilities, communicate findings through effective data visualization — while also mentoring junior team members to build technical capability across the team and driving end-to-end projects. Your contributions will drive innovation and operational excellence, ensuring data-driven strategies align with business objectives and deliver measurable value.
About the team:
Our team develops foundational models tailored for Walmart’s e-commerce platform by leveraging large-scale user interactions to create detailed representations of users, products, and search queries. These models support scalable search, advertising, recommendation, and personalization solutions. Team members apply expertise in data science, machine learning, and software engineering to optimize model performance, training, and deployment. Emphasizing data quality, advanced analytics, and effective visualization, the team delivers actionable insights that drive key business outcomes. Collaboration across functions fosters innovation and continuous improvement within a dynamic technology environment.
What you'll do:
- Identify and source relevant data from multiple business domains, ensuring data quality and suitability for analysis.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business problems into data-driven solutions.
- Design, build, and validate predictive models using advanced statistical and machine learning techniques.
- Implement autonomous research loops where AI agents iteratively tune hyperparameters, modify training code/architecture, and run experiments against a defined objective metric (e.g., validation loss) with minimal human intervention.
- Automatically identify and select the best-performing models at the offline/experimentation level, reducing manual model-selection cycles.
- Deploy and monitor models in production, ensuring scalability and performance consistency.
- Mentor team members on analytical methods, coding best practices, and model development.
What you'll bring:
- Proven expertise in predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, and statistical hypothesis testing.
- Proficiency in Python programming and data visualization tools such as Matplotlib, Plotly, or Tableau.
- Experience with model assessment, validation, and deployment in production environments.
- Hands-on experience building or operating agentic/autonomous research systems — e.g., AI agents that iteratively tune hyperparameters, modify training code/architecture with minimal human intervention.
- Experience running automated experimentation against defined objective metrics (AutoResearch loops), including auto-generated evaluation reports, offline best-model selection.
- Ability to translate complex business problems into data-driven solutions using advanced analytical modeling.
- Familiarity with MLOps practices and NLP techniques.
- Effective communication skills to present insights and mentor junior team members.
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 $143,000.00 - $286,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- 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: Bachelors degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 4 years' experience in an analytics related field. Option 2: Masters degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 2 years' experience in an analytics related field. Option 3: 6 years' experience in an analytics or related fieldPreferred 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, 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...
815 Eleventh Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-4731, United States of America Walmart 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.Position Summary...
What you'll do...
Role summary:As a Staff Data Scientist at Walmart, you will leverage advanced analytical techniques and machine learning to transform complex data into actionable business insights. This role requires expertise in data strategy, model development, and validation to support decision-making across multiple domains. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable solutions, develop predictive models, build auto-research capabilities, communicate findings through effective data visualization — while also mentoring junior team members to build technical capability across the team and driving end-to-end projects. Your contributions will drive innovation and operational excellence, ensuring data-driven strategies align with business objectives and deliver measurable value.
About the team:
Our team develops foundational models tailored for Walmart’s e-commerce platform by leveraging large-scale user interactions to create detailed representations of users, products, and search queries. These models support scalable search, advertising, recommendation, and personalization solutions. Team members apply expertise in data science, machine learning, and software engineering to optimize model performance, training, and deployment. Emphasizing data quality, advanced analytics, and effective visualization, the team delivers actionable insights that drive key business outcomes. Collaboration across functions fosters innovation and continuous improvement within a dynamic technology environment.
What you'll do:
- Identify and source relevant data from multiple business domains, ensuring data quality and suitability for analysis.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business problems into data-driven solutions.
- Design, build, and validate predictive models using advanced statistical and machine learning techniques.
- Implement autonomous research loops where AI agents iteratively tune hyperparameters, modify training code/architecture, and run experiments against a defined objective metric (e.g., validation loss) with minimal human intervention.
- Automatically identify and select the best-performing models at the offline/experimentation level, reducing manual model-selection cycles.
- Deploy and monitor models in production, ensuring scalability and performance consistency.
- Mentor team members on analytical methods, coding best practices, and model development.
What you'll bring:
- Proven expertise in predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, and statistical hypothesis testing.
- Proficiency in Python programming and data visualization tools such as Matplotlib, Plotly, or Tableau.
- Experience with model assessment, validation, and deployment in production environments.
- Hands-on experience building or operating agentic/autonomous research systems — e.g., AI agents that iteratively tune hyperparameters, modify training code/architecture with minimal human intervention.
- Experience running automated experimentation against defined objective metrics (AutoResearch loops), including auto-generated evaluation reports, offline best-model selection.
- Ability to translate complex business problems into data-driven solutions using advanced analytical modeling.
- Familiarity with MLOps practices and NLP techniques.
- Effective communication skills to present insights and mentor junior team members.
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 $143,000.00 - $286,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- Stock
ã…¤
ã…¤
ã…¤
ã…¤
‎
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 4 years' experience in an analytics related field. Option 2: Masters degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 2 years' experience in an analytics related field. Option 3: 6 years' experience in an analytics or related fieldPreferred 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, 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...
815 Eleventh Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-4731, United States of America Walmart 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.See All 72 Senior Staff Data Scientist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Staff Data Scientist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Staff Data Scientist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Intuit25
- Google5
- Grindr5
- Walmart4
- Pinterest3
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software14
- Retail2
- Banking & Financial Services2
- Automotive1
- Consumer Goods1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior staff data scientist jobs across California.
- PhD or Master's degree in statistics, computer science, or a related quantitative field
- Eight or more years of applied data science experience including staff-level technical leadership
- Deep proficiency in Python, SQL, and distributed computing frameworks such as Spark
- Demonstrated experience designing and shipping machine learning models at production scale
- Strong cross-functional collaboration with product, engineering, and executive stakeholders
- Experience mentoring junior scientists and driving team-wide modeling standards and best practices
Senior Staff Data Scientist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior staff data scientist in California?
Reaching a senior staff data scientist level in California typically requires an advanced degree in statistics, computer science, or a closely related field, followed by progressive industry experience in applied machine learning or analytics. California does not require a state-issued license for this role. Most candidates move up through staff scientist positions at California technology or biotech companies, building a portfolio of shipped models, publications, or patents that demonstrate technical depth and organizational impact.
How much do senior staff data scientists make in California?
Senior staff data scientists in California earn a median of about $141,590 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,480 for the lowest 10% to over $224,920 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior staff data scientists in California?
Employers hiring senior staff data scientists in California right now include Intuit, Google, and Grindr, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, major health systems, and fintech firms makes it one of the deepest markets for senior data science roles in the country.
Which California cities have the most senior staff data scientist jobs?
San Francisco, Mountain View, and San Diego have the most senior staff data scientist openings in California. The San Francisco Bay Area dominates because it is home to the headquarters of major technology platforms and enterprise software companies that run large central data science organizations, while Los Angeles draws demand from entertainment technology, health systems, and a growing fintech sector.
Are there remote senior staff data scientist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields, because senior staff data science work is almost entirely analytical and collaborative rather than physically hands-on. About 70% of senior staff data scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how broadly distributed these teams have become. Model development, experimentation, and cross-functional reviews are the parts of the role most commonly performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a senior staff data scientist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an adjacent analytical or engineering role, such as data analyst, machine learning engineer, or quantitative researcher, at a California technology or healthcare company. Large California employers including those in the Bay Area and Los Angeles frequently hire new graduates into rotational data science programs or associate scientist roles that develop the modeling and leadership skills required at the senior staff level. A strong portfolio of end-to-end projects, open-source contributions, or graduate research publications gives candidates a meaningful edge when experience is limited.
Where can I find and apply to senior staff data scientist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior staff data scientist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 72 Senior Staff Data Scientist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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