Lead Systems Engineer - PRE - job 11 of 12

The core responsibilities of a Lead Systems Engineer at Visa include leading the technical direction and implementation of their monitoring and observability platform. This involves ensuring high availability, security, and cost-effectiveness in the toolchain that supports software operation and monitoring. Collaboration with various teams and vendors globally is essential to deliver these services while adhering to enterprise compliance and governance standards.

To apply for the Lead Systems Engineer position at Visa, candidates typically need a strong background in systems engineering, observability, and monitoring tools, alongside experience in enterprise environments. Proficiency in technical direction, project management, and collaboration with diverse teams is also crucial. A degree in computer science or a related field is often preferred, along with several years of relevant experience.

The Lead Systems Engineer position at Visa is a hybrid role, which means there will be expectations for in-office days that will be confirmed by your hiring manager. This setup provides flexibility, allowing team members to balance remote work while still engaging actively with their teams in person.

The work environment for a Lead Systems Engineer at Visa is dynamic and collaborative, where you will engage with various teams including operations, software development, and infrastructure. The culture emphasizes innovation, security, and compliance within the tech space, empowering engineers to create and implement high-quality solutions in a fast-paced, enterprise-level context.

A Lead Systems Engineer at Visa should be familiar with a variety of tools and technologies related to monitoring and observability platforms. Familiarity with cloud services, automation tools, security protocols, and compliance methodologies is essential. Additionally, experience with languages such as Python, Java, or other relevant programming languages can be advantageous.

When asked about your experience with monitoring and observability tools, focus on specific tools you’ve used, the outcomes of your deployments, and how they helped improve system reliability. Discuss how you selected the tools based on the needs of your teams and how you integrated these solutions into existing infrastructures.

To answer this, explain your approach to designing resilient systems and maintaining lower friction in workflows. Discuss best practices like automating processes, utilizing robust monitoring techniques, and fostering communication across teams to facilitate rapid incident response.

Speak to your experience with compliance frameworks and governance models. Provide examples of how you navigated regulatory requirements, involved stakeholders, and implemented necessary protocols to ensure alignment with enterprise-level standards.

Utilize the STAR method to describe your project. Clearly outline the situation, task, action taken, and the results achieved. Highlight leadership skills, your approach to team collaboration, and any specific challenges addressed during the project lifecycle.

When discussing strategies for keeping up with technology, mention specific resources you utilize such as online courses, tech forums, conferences, or professional networks. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and adapting to the latest industry trends.

Discuss your method for prioritizing tasks, whether through urgent vs. important matrices, project deadlines, or stakeholder inputs. Share specific tools or techniques you use to keep organized and maintain team focus on their deliverables.

Provide a clear example of a project involving multiple teams. Discuss your role, how you facilitated collaboration, managed communication, and how this teamwork contributed to the project’s success.

When answering, highlight your understanding of integrating security into the systems development lifecycle. Discuss specific practices, such as threat modeling, regular security audits, and proactive risk management.

Explain the key performance indicators (KPIs) you monitor, such as uptime, response times, and user satisfaction rates. Discuss how these metrics inform decision-making and drive improvements in the systems you manage.

Share your approach to mentoring junior engineers, highlighting specific methods you employed such as regular check-ins, structured training sessions, or hands-on guidance. Emphasize the importance of fostering their growth and building a supportive team culture.