Sr. Systems Engineer - job 29 of 33

As a Sr. Systems Engineer at Visa Technology & Operations LLC, you will take charge of providing Infrastructure Operations and Production Support that revolves around container technologies and orchestration platforms. Your main tasks will include deploying, configuring, scaling, and managing containerized applications through Docker and Kubernetes. You will also focus on hardening the security of Kubernetes clusters, offering guidance to your colleagues, and ensuring smooth operations across all Visa business lines. Additionally, you will contribute to standardized operating procedures and follow ITIL practices for incident, change, problem, and release management.

To be considered for the Sr. Systems Engineer position at Visa Technology & Operations LLC, a strong background in systems engineering is essential, especially in container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes. You should also have experience in infrastructure operations, security practices, and ITIL standards. Excellent communication skills are necessary as you will be explaining technical concepts to staff. Moreover, familiarity with vulnerability assessments and patch management will be beneficial. A combination of education and hands-on experience will enhance your candidacy for this versatile role.

The work environment for a Sr. Systems Engineer at Visa Technology & Operations LLC is dynamic and collaborative, located in Highlands Ranch, CO. You will interact with various teams, including Platform, Engineering, and Delivery Teams, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. The office culture embraces both innovation and adherence to established IT practices. With options for partial telecommuting, we prioritize work-life balance while ensuring our engineers remain engaged and supported in their roles.

A Sr. Systems Engineer at Visa Technology & Operations LLC plays a vital role in enhancing security within the organization. This includes conducting vulnerability assessments and managing patch processes to protect our systems and infrastructure. You will also be responsible for hardening Kubernetes clusters and implementing monitoring and auditing systems. Your efforts will ensure that all security measures are robust and up-to-date, reducing risk and securing Visa’s infrastructure for all business operations.

As a Sr. Systems Engineer at Visa Technology & Operations LLC, you will be scheduled on-call to support the infrastructure and systems. This means being available to respond to critical incidents, troubleshoot problems, and ensure that operations continue smoothly outside of regular working hours. Preparation for on-call responsibilities involves being knowledgeable about the systems and processes you will oversee, as well as having a strong problem-solving mindset to address any issues that may arise.

When answering this question, it's essential to highlight your hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes. Discuss specific projects where you deployed containerized applications, how you managed scaling, and the configurations you implemented. Emphasize your familiarity with common challenges and how you resolved them. Providing examples of your problem-solving skills will showcase your expertise in the subject matter.

In responding, focus on the best practices for securing Kubernetes clusters. Discuss your experience in hardening clusters, setting up RBAC (Role-Based Access Control), using network policies, and implementing logging and monitoring solutions. It's important to convey your ability to stay updated on the latest vulnerabilities and apply patches effectively. Sharing specific examples of past implementations will strengthen your answer.

Discuss how ITIL practices provide a structured approach to IT service management. Explain your familiarity with the ITIL framework and how you've applied its principles, such as Change, Incident, and Problem Management, in your previous roles. Emphasize the importance of maintaining service quality while efficiently managing IT operations. Sharing a scenario where following ITIL practices led to a positive outcome can illustrate your understanding effectively.

When addressing how you handle critical incidents, highlight the importance of remaining calm and collected. Describe your systematic approach to diagnosing the problem, utilizing logs and system dashboards, and engaging with team members if needed. Emphasize the communication aspect, particularly how you would keep stakeholders informed. Any real-life examples of successfully resolving a critical incident can showcase your ability to manage pressure effectively.

Share a specific instance where you identified inefficiencies in a production process. Explain the steps you took to analyze the situation, implement changes, and measure the resulting improvements. Highlighting teamwork or collaboration with other teams in enhancing the process can also be beneficial. It shows your ability to contribute positively to the organizational workflow.

Your answer should reflect an appreciation for thorough documentation. Discuss how you ensure that technical procedures are well-documented, accessible, and easy to understand for team members. Mention tools you might use for documentation, like Confluence or similar platforms, and stress the importance of keeping these documents updated as systems and processes evolve over time.

When answering, explain your method for triaging incidents based on their impact and urgency. Discuss how you assess which tasks need immediate attention and which can wait. You can also mention tools or strategies you use for tracking incidents and managing your workload effectively. Sharing your experience in a fast-paced environment can strengthen this response.

In your response, highlight the importance of clarity and relatability. Discuss methods you use, such as using analogies, simplifying jargon, and engaging your audience with visuals. Sharing examples where similar communication led to successful outcomes can lend credibility to your approach.

Share what drives your passion for systems engineering. It could be the excitement of problem-solving, the collaborative nature of working with diverse teams, or your desire to make technology work seamlessly for business operations. Personalizing your answer to reflect your genuine interests will resonate well in the interview.

If you have experience with a security breach, outline the steps you took to manage the situation. Discuss the urgency of the response, your actions during the incident, and the post-incident review process to prevent future occurrences. If you haven’t faced a security breach, you might discuss a simulation or preparation you’ve undertaken to be ready should it occur.