Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant level (Hybrid/Onsite) - job 3 of 20

At Visa, the Systems Architect plays a vital role in implementing data architecture principles to drive the organization’s data strategy. Responsibilities include performing logical and physical data modeling using ERWin in a distributed environment, collaborating with operational and engineering teams to resolve persistent layer design issues, and enhancing data architecture standards. Additionally, you will research new technologies to optimize performance and reliability across systems.

To apply for the Systems Architect position at Visa, candidates should have experience with logical and physical RDBMS data modeling in distributed environments. Proficiency in Postgres or MySQL is necessary, along with familiarity with data access layers and replication tools like Golden Gate or pglogical. Experience with NoSQL databases and Hadoop is a significant advantage, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

A Systems Architect at Visa benefits significantly from experience with both RDBMS and NoSQL databases. Familiarity with database partitioning, performance tuning, and specific tools such as Golden Gate or pglogical is required. Knowledge of OLTP applications and the ability to work in an active-active environment will enhance your capability to design resilient data architectures.

The hybrid work model for the Systems Architect position at Visa allows employees to alternate between remote work and office presence. Typically, hybrid employees are expected to work from the office 2-3 days a week, depending on business needs, providing flexibility while maintaining collaboration with the team.

Candidates aiming to excel as a Systems Architect at Visa should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in data architecture and database management. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for presenting complex ideas and collaborating with various teams. Additionally, a proactive approach to researching and implementing new technologies will be key to success in this role.

In answering this question, highlight specific experiences with logical and physical RDBMS data modeling using tools like ERWin. Discuss projects where you dealt with complex data modeling challenges in active-active configurations, emphasizing how you ensured data consistency and integrity across systems.

When responding, explain what database partitioning is, and detail the performance enhancements it offers, such as improved query and insert times in large databases. Provide an example from your experience where you implemented partitioning to solve a performance issue.

Share a specific scenario in which you confronted scalability issues. Discuss the strategies you employed to overcome these challenges, such as employing load balancers or optimizing database queries, and the impact those solutions had on system performance.

Discuss your direct experience working with PostgreSQL and MySQL, detailing specific features you utilized and how they contributed to the success of your projects. Mention any certifications or training that bolstered your understanding of these systems as well.

Mention specific replication tools you have experience with, such as Golden Gate or pglogical. Discuss challenges you encountered, such as ensuring data accuracy during replication or handling conflict resolution, and how you effectively managed these issues.

Choose a technology you've recently explored, such as a NoSQL database or an ETL tool, and explain why you felt it was important to investigate. Discuss what you learned and how its implementation might benefit Visa's data architecture strategies.

Discuss strategies for balancing agility and data quality, like implementing automated testing frameworks or establishing data governance protocols. Provide examples where you successfully applied these strategies in previous projects.

Highlight your interpersonal skills and teamwork experience. Discuss specific tools or methods you use to foster collaboration, such as regular meetings or collaborative platforms. Provide examples of successful collaborative projects that involved various stakeholders.

Outline your systematic approach to troubleshooting performance issues, such as analyzing query performance, assessing server resource utilization, and reviewing schema designs. Share a case where your troubleshooting led to significant improvements.

Explain the importance of data architecture standards and your approach to promoting them. Discuss how you would engage team members in training sessions, documentation, or establishing best practices to create a culture of adherence to these standards.