Senior Director, Software Engineering: Colony

What you'll do... Senior Director, Engineering AI & Data | Walmart Global Tech

Join Walmart as a Senior Director of Engineering , leading Colony, a flagship capability within our AI & Data organization. In this role, you will enable 2.5M+ global associates -from data scientists to business "citizen developers"-to go from idea to AI-powered solution quickly, safely, and cost-effectively. Yes, we are the Fortune #1 company.

But you'll quickly find that Walmart is where complex global challenges meet a deeply human mission. At Walmart, we empower you to do the best work of your life-work that helps people save money and live better.

About Walmart Global Tech & AI and Data Walmart Global Tech delivers scalable, resilient, and innovative technology solutions that power global operations. Within Global Tech, the AI & Data organization is building a platform-based ecosystem that centralizes enterprise data, standardizes AI foundations, and creates intuitive AI solutions for all personas.

Code Puppy is a core component of the Associate AI Experience, enabling builders across the enterprise to rapidly develop, deploy, and scale AI-driven applications safely and responsibly.

Position Summary As Senior Director, Engineering - Colony , you will lead a high-caliber, multidisciplinary team of engineers, data scientists, and program managers. You will define and execute the engineering and platform strategy that makes Code Puppy a trusted, enterprise-grade AI builder platform across Walmart globally.

This role blends:

- Platform engineering leadership - AI/ML productization - Enterprise architecture governance - Responsible AI enablement - Operational excellence at scale

You will serve as a senior technology leader within AI & Data, translating Walmart's AI-first strategy into durable platform capabilities that are scalable, secure, reliable, and widely adopted globally.

- Define and execute the long-term vision and roadmap for Code Puppy as a foundational AI builder platform. - Align platform capabilities with the AI & Data enterprise strategy and platform approach. - Ensure Code Puppy integrates seamlessly with enterprise data, AI foundations, governance, and customer/product intelligence layers. - Balance innovation with enterprise-grade reliability, security, and compliance.

- Establish architectural standards for distributed systems, AI pipelines, agent-based workflows, and developer tooling. - Govern design reviews across backend, AI, and forward-deployed implementations. - Ensure scalability to support millions of potential builders across global markets. - Drive cloud-native, API-first, and platform-centric design principles.

- Embed guardrails, governance, and human-in-the-loop patterns into platform design. - Partner closely with AI Governance and Enterprise Data teams to ensure safe, compliant, and cost-effective AI deployment. - Standardize patterns for agent builders and AI-assisted engineering workflows.

- Define reliability targets, SLOs, and operational KPIs for Code Puppy as a mission-critical internal platform. - Elevate DevOps maturity, release management, observability, and cost optimization. - Ensure predictable delivery across a portfolio of cross-functional initiatives.

- Serve as a senior advisor to AI & Data, Global Tech, and business leadership. - Translate complex AI and platform trade-offs into clear business outcomes. - Drive adoption through close partnership with product, data, governance, and field teams.

- Build and develop a high-performing team across engineering, data science, and program management. - Coach Distinguished Engineers and Principal Data Scientists as technical multipliers. - Create a culture of experimentation, measurable impact, and inclusive leadership. - Foster an AI-first mindset across engineering practices.

- 12+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience, including leading platform or AI-enabled product organizations. - Proven experience leading senior individual contributors (Principal and Distinguished-level engineers). - Deep expertise in distributed systems, cloud-native architecture, and AI/ML productionization. - Experience building internal platforms or developer ecosystems at enterprise scale. - Demonstrated success embedding responsible AI and governance frameworks. - Strong executive presence with the ability to influence at VP and SVP levels. - Passion for building diverse teams and developing next-generation technology leaders.

Why This Role Matters Colony is central to Walmart's AI-first transformation-enabling associates across the enterprise to build AI-driven solutions safely and at scale. This role will shape how innovation happens inside the world's largest company.

Bentonville, Arkansas US-10735: The annual salary range for this position is $160,000.00 - $320,000.00

Sunnyvale, California US-11807: The annual salary range for this position is $208,000.00 - $416,000.00

Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

Additional compensation for certain positions may also include : - Stock ㅤ

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 7 years' experience in software engineering or related area. Option 2: 9 years' experience in software engineering or related area. 4 years' supervisory experience.

Master'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., 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.

2501 Se J St, Ste A, Bentonville, AR 72716-3724, United States of America