Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant level (Hybrid/Onsite) - job 2 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 and active-active environment. Your role will also involve collaborating with operation and engineering teams to address persistent layer design and replication issues. Additionally, you'll work closely with other architects and product teams to design end-to-end data flows using various ETL or near real-time solutions, while enhancing and promoting data architecture standards and best practices.

To be successful as a Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant at Visa, candidates should have extensive experience with logical and physical RDBMS data modeling, particularly in distributed environments. Familiarity with Postgres and/or MySQL, as well as data access layer tools like Golden Gate or pglogical, is essential. Experience with NoSQL databases and the Hadoop ecosystem would be considered a valuable asset. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively are also crucial for this role.

Visa offers a hybrid work environment for the Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant position. This means you'll have the flexibility to work remotely, alternating between home and office for 2-3 predetermined days a week, as set by leadership. The expectation is to maintain an in-office presence of 50% or more, allowing you to collaborate closely with your team while enjoying the benefits of remote work.

The Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant is key to contributing to Visa's data strategy by developing and enhancing data governance guidelines and best practices across the organization. In this role, you will help create a cohesive architecture that supports Visa's growth, ensuring that data quality and scalability requirements are met through rigorously designed systems. You'll also research and prototype new technologies, broadening the capabilities of the persistent layer and delivering long-term value to Visa.

For the Systems Architect - Sr. Consultant role at Visa, effective communication and relationship-building skills are paramount. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely to diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment and collaboration among teams, such as DBAs and infrastructure groups. The ability to influence outcomes, present ideas, and foster strong partnerships will greatly enhance the success of the Systems Architect in their endeavors.

Certainly! In my previous role, I extensively utilized ERWin for logical and physical data modeling of RDBMS databases. I focused on creating robust models that supported distributed architectures, ensuring active-active configuration to enhance availability and reliability.

When tackling scalability challenges, I start by analyzing the architecture for bottlenecks and capacity limits. I implement horizontal scaling strategies, ensuring that we distribute loads effectively across the system. My experience with performance tuning has also taught me the importance of regular monitoring and refining of systems to enhance performance.

I believe transparency and regular updates are vital for effective communication. I organize cross-functional meetings to facilitate discussions, encourage input from all stakeholders, and use visual aids to present complex information to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Absolutely! I have experience working with tools such as Golden Gate and pglogical. I understand the different replication approaches, including synchronous and asynchronous methods, and their respective advantages and drawbacks, which helps in selecting the right strategy for specific scenarios.

Data governance is crucial in ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across an organization's architecture. It provides a structured framework for managing data assets, which helps align data strategies with business objectives, ultimately leading to more effective decision-making.

I prioritize open lines of communication and active collaboration with engineering teams. This includes understanding their workflows, challenges, and providing support for persistent data layer design and database issues, which fosters a more integrated approach to problem-solving.

In my previous projects, I worked with various NoSQL databases. My experience involves utilizing their strengths, such as high scalability and flexibility, particularly for handling unstructured data and large datasets. I focus on understanding the specific requirements of the application to choose the most effective NoSQL solution.

I stay current by following industry publications, participating in webinars, and engaging in online forums. Additionally, I attend conferences, network with peers, and conduct proof-of-concept work with emerging technologies to evaluate their potential for our architecture.

Ensuring data quality involves implementing validation checks at various stages of data processing, establishing clear governance policies, and leveraging tools that enable data profiling and monitoring. This helps to catch issues early and maintain high standards throughout the data lifecycle.

One challenge I faced involved performance tuning in a high-transaction environment. I approached this by conducting in-depth analysis, applying various indexing and partitioning strategies, and collaborating closely with the engineering team to monitor performance improvements, resulting in significant gains.