Director, Software Engineering (AI Platform Development) - job 15 of 20

The Director of Software Engineering at Visa is responsible for leading the Payment Fraud Disruption team, focusing on developing systems that detect and prevent payment fraud. This role involves designing machine learning platforms, driving engineering excellence, and collaborating with product teams to influence product strategy and roadmap. Leadership characteristics like mentoring staff and maintaining team culture are essential.

Candidates for the Director of Software Engineering role at Visa should have a strong engineering background, with significant experience in software development, machine learning, and leadership. A proven track record in managing multi-disciplinary teams and expertise in the payments or tech industry are important. Additionally, strong skills in collaboration and strategic influence are highly valued.

The hybrid work model at Visa allows the Director of Software Engineering to work both remotely and in the office. Employees in this role generally work in the office three set days a week, determined by leadership and business needs. This model promotes flexibility while ensuring teamwork and collaboration within the office setting.

The Director of Software Engineering will significantly impact Visa’s technology initiatives by developing innovative fraud prevention solutions and driving Gen AI adoption. This role will not only shape product strategy but also ensure timely delivery of secure, effective products to enhance Visa’s capabilities in the payments space.

Essential skills for a Director of Software Engineering in AI platform development at Visa include expertise in software and ML platform design, strong leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills. Additionally, a deep understanding of engineering best practices, program management, and stakeholder collaboration is crucial for success.

In answering this question, highlight specific instances where you've successfully led teams, provided mentorship, and navigated challenges. Discuss how you motivate your team and foster a positive culture, ideally linking this to benefits achieved in past roles.

Explain the processes you implement to maintain high engineering standards, such as coding best practices, code reviews, and rigorous testing. Provide examples of how these strategies have led to successful project outcomes in your previous experience.

When answering, choose a specific example to illustrate your analytical thinking and technical skills. Discuss the problem, your approach, and the outcomes, emphasizing how your skills as a software engineer enabled you to find an innovative solution.

Discuss various methods you use to keep abreast of the latest technologies, such as attending industry conferences, engaging with professional networks, or conducting personal research. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and adapting within the tech landscape.

You should explain how leadership in engineering directly influences innovation within a company. Emphasize your approach to fostering a culture of creativity, encouraging experimentation, and leveraging new technologies to drive competitive advantage.

Provide a concrete example of a project where you led a team comprised of various disciplines. Discuss how you facilitated collaboration, managed differing priorities, and achieved project goals, emphasizing leadership and communication skills.

Outline your approach to prioritizing projects, such as considering business needs, resources available, and potential impacts. Share specific frameworks or methods you may use, and how you've applied them in your previous roles.

This question allows you to discuss your beliefs and practical strategies. Talk about proactive hiring practices, creating an inclusive environment, and how diverse teams have led to success in your past experiences.

Describe your conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing empathy, open communication, and collaboration to find mutually beneficial solutions. Share a particular instance where you successfully resolved conflict and its positive impact on the team.

In your answer, showcase your knowledge of industry trends and potential advancements. Discuss how you envision AI evolving in the payments sector and how it could impact the way organizations manage fraud and enhance customer experience.