Lead Data Architect

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and govern real-time and event‑driven data architectures leveraging Apache Kafka and Azure streaming services (e.g., Azure Event Hubs with Kafka compatibility, Azure Stream Analytics).
• Define and maintain end‑to‑end data architecture patterns across real‑time, near‑real‑time, and batch processing paradigms.
• Develop and maintain reference architectures, data flow diagrams, and technical standards to guide platform and delivery teams.
• Partner closely with Data Engineering, Platform, and Enterprise Architecture teams to deliver solutions that are scalable, secure, well‑governed, and compliant.
• Lead proofs of concept (PoCs) and technology evaluations, providing clear architectural recommendations and trade‑off analyses.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Basic Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 7 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 4 years of work experience with a PhD, OR 13+ years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 8-10 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6+ years of work experience with a PhD.
• 8+ years’ experience as a Data Architect or Senior Data Engineer, operating in complex enterprise environments.
• Deep expertise in streaming architectures, including managed or commercial distributions (e.g., Kafka‑compatible Azure Event Hubs or Confluent on Azure).
• Strong hands‑on experience with Azure data and analytics platforms, such as: Azure Data Lake, Storage Gen2 / Azure Blob Storage, Azure Event Hubs, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Functions, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) or Azure Container Apps.
• Proven experience designing and delivering both streaming and batch data solutions at enterprise scale.
• Experience with Databricks, AWS and Apache Airflow (or equivalent orchestration and transformation tools) - nice to have.
• Prior experience in Banking or financial services, particularly in architecture roles within regulated environments.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for this position is $173,100.00 to $276,800.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.