Director, Software Engineering (AI Platform Development) - job 9 of 20

As the Director of Software Engineering at Visa, you'll take on pivotal responsibilities, including designing and developing secure and reliable machine learning platforms, spearheading engineering excellence, and aiding in formulating product strategies. You'll lead a multidisciplinary team, focusing on talent acquisition, retention, and developing an inclusive culture that encourages accountability and innovation.

To qualify for the Director, Software Engineering position at Visa, candidates should possess a strong engineering background with expertise in machine learning and software development practices. A proven track record in leadership roles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to foster team collaboration are crucial. An understanding of payment systems and experience in technology-driven environments will be highly beneficial.

In the Director, Software Engineering role at Visa, the hybrid work model allows you to blend remote work with in-office collaboration. You're expected to be in the office three days a week, which may vary based on business requirements. This arrangement offers flexibility while ensuring effective teamwork and communication.

As the Director of Software Engineering at Visa, your role will be critical in shaping and enhancing our fraud prevention measures. By leading the Payment Fraud Disruption team, you'll design innovative systems that help safeguard Visa's payment infrastructure from fraudulent activities, thereby directly contributing to the security and integrity of our financial transactions.

Visa prides itself on an inclusive and empowering team culture for the Director of Software Engineering role. You'll have the opportunity to build a team characterized by ownership, accountability, and collaboration. The focus will be on nurturing talent, promoting career growth, and driving innovation, ensuring everyone feels valued and motivated.

When approaching leadership in a software engineering team, I emphasize collaboration, clear communication, and fostering a supportive environment. I believe in empowering team members to take ownership of their projects and encouraging continuous learning and development to enhance their skills.

I've led projects that involved the design and deployment of machine learning platforms, ensuring they are secure, reliable, and effective. My experience includes collaborating with data scientists and engineers to integrate these platforms into existing systems to address specific business needs.

To drive engineering excellence, I focus on establishing well-defined processes, promoting best practices, and ensuring regular code reviews. I also encourage a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing feedback and ideas, which is essential for continuous improvement.

In handling conflicts within a technical team, I prioritize open communication. I encourage team members to voice their perspectives and work together toward a resolution. I have found that addressing conflicts early on fosters a healthier team dynamic and leads to better outcomes.

Program management is crucial in aligning project timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations. As a Director of Software Engineering, I ensure that strong governance practices are in place to track progress, identify risks, and facilitate smooth communication across teams.

My experience with product strategy involves collaborating closely with product teams to define requirements and prioritize development efforts. I focus on creating a roadmap that aligns business goals with technical capabilities, ensuring that we deliver impactful solutions.

To keep my team motivated and engaged, I foster a positive work environment that includes recognition of accomplishments, opportunities for professional development, and encouraging team-building activities. I believe that a motivated team will produce high-quality work and drive innovation.

In software engineering leadership, challenges often involve managing competing priorities and addressing skill gaps within the team. I overcame these by enhancing communication with stakeholders to manage expectations and implementing targeted training programs to upskill team members effectively.

I stay updated with the latest technology trends by actively participating in industry communities, attending conferences, and consuming relevant literature. I also encourage my team to share new insights and findings, creating a collaborative learning environment.

Developing inclusive team cultures requires intentionality and commitment. I prioritize creating space for diverse perspectives, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. I also promote mentorship and growth opportunities to cultivate an environment where all team members can thrive.