Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant level (Hybrid/Onsite) - job 7 of 20

As a Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant at Visa, you'll be responsible for performing logical and physical data modeling using ERWin for RDBMS databases in a distributed environment. You'll work alongside operations and engineering teams to tackle persistent layer design and database replication issues. Collaborating with other architects and product teams, you will contribute to the design of end-to-end data flows using various ETL or real-time solutions, while also enhancing data architecture standards and researching new technologies for improved capabilities in the persistent layer.

To qualify for the Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant role at Visa, candidates should possess experience in logical and physical RDBMS data modeling, ideally in a distributed, active-active environment. Familiarity with database management systems such as Postgres or MySQL is crucial, along with experience using replication tools like Golden Gate. Understanding the challenges and benefits of different replication approaches and a background in NoSQL databases or the Hadoop ecosystem can be beneficial in this role.

In the hybrid role of Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant at Visa, employees are expected to work in the office for 2-3 set days each week as determined by leadership and site needs. The intent is for employees to spend approximately 50% or more of their time in the office, allowing for productive collaboration, while still providing the flexibility to work remotely, catering to varying projects and tasks.

Essential skills for the Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant position at Visa include strong interpersonal and effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Candidates should be adept at presenting complex ideas clearly and concisely while fostering relationships with key partners such as DBA and infrastructure teams. Furthermore, expertise in data modeling, performance tuning, and replicating large volume OLTP applications is critical to ensuring robust system architecture.

Visa prioritizes a robust data architecture practice that emphasizes consistency, availability, and scalability. For the Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant position, this involves enhancing and promoting data architecture standards and best practices across the organization. The role also revolves around tackling challenges associated with persistent layers in distributed environments and maintaining high data quality while embracing agility.

When asked about RDBMS data modeling in a distributed environment, share specific projects where you successfully implemented ERWin for modeling. Highlight your familiarity with the challenges faced, such as ensuring data consistency and availability, and discuss how you addressed issues like database partitioning and tuning for performance.

To effectively address performance tuning in OLTP applications, discuss your approach in analyzing query performance, indexing strategies, and monitoring system resource utilization. Sharing specific examples where your interventions led to significant improvements can illustrate your capability in this area.

In facilitating communication between engineering teams and data architects, emphasize your interpersonal skills and experience in cross-functional collaborations. Provide examples of how you have organized meetings, shared insights, and ensured everyone is on the same page, allowing for streamlined data flow and project success.

When discussing the benefits and challenges of replication tools such as Golden Gate, explain how they help in maintaining data consistency and availability across distributed systems. Address challenges like potential latency and how you have mitigated these issues in previously successful implementations.

While discussing your experience with NoSQL databases, articulate how they complement your background in RDBMS by offering flexibility in handling unstructured data. Provide specific examples of projects where you utilized NoSQL solutions for scalability and performance, linking them back to the overall data architecture goals.

In enhancing data architecture standards, discuss your commitment to best practices, including documentation, code reviews, and continuous learning. Share an instance where you spearheaded a project or initiative to raise data governance awareness among teams, resulting in measurable improvements.

Managing the balance between agility and data quality requires a strategic approach. Discuss methods you've employed like prioritizing critical data elements, implementing automated tests, and facilitating agile sprints focused on tight iterations that ensure high-quality data delivery without compromising speed.

When asked about challenges in projects, share a specific instance where you encountered significant obstacles, such as data inconsistency or scaling issues. Explain the steps you took to analyze the situation, engage stakeholders, and implement solutions that led to a successful outcome.

Discussing advances in data architecture, highlight emerging technologies like AI-driven analytics, distributed ledger technologies, and real-time data processing tools. Share your perspective on how these innovations can streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance overall data ecosystems.

In answering why you're interested in the Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant role at Visa, align your professional values with Visa's commitment to innovation and growth. Mention how the hybrid model excites you, and express enthusiasm for contributing to projects that directly impact the company's data strategy and governance methodologies.