Principal ML Scientist

Visa; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 217,900 - 349,000; Full time

Job summary

Visa is seeking a Chief Software Engineer for the GenAI Platform within the VERA Product Development team. You will define technical strategy, architect scalable distributed systems, and drive AI-enabled product innovation across Visa's global payments platform.

You will mentor engineers, promote CI/CD and DevOps practices, and collaborate with security, governance, and business partners to ensure compliant, reliable solutions. Hybrid in-office work is expected.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 10+ years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD.
• Proven experience in architecting large-scale distributed systems and leading engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the overall technical strategy and architecture to align with business goals.
• Architect, design, and code scalable, reliable, secure distributed systems and platforms.
• Lead adoption of Generative AI and Agentic AI to boost developer productivity and product innovation.
• Establish best practices for software development, CI/CD, and DevOps across the SSDLC.
• Mentor senior engineers and engineering managers to foster collaboration and learning.
• Communicate technical strategy to executives and business units.

Skills

Software engineering

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

SSDLC Automation

Education

BS in Computer Science

Advanced degree preferred

PhD considered

Tools

Java

Python

GoLang

Spring

Node.js

React

Docker

Kubernetes

RESTful APIs

gRPC

Job description

About Us

Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale - tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world.

Join Visa and do work that matters - to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you.

Job Description

The Value-Added Services Product Development (VAS PD) team drives the diversification of our revenue with products that differentiate Visa network and deliver valuable solutions across other networks. The Visa Engage, Resolve, & Assist (VERA) team in VAS focuses on innovative, AI-driven solutions for issuers, merchants and fintechs.

The Chief Software Engineer - GenAI Platform in the VERA Product Development team will be responsible for leading the technology strategy, solution, and execution of initiatives that support our GenAI platform and our overall AI posture. This role is responsible for supporting and empowering AI efforts across VERA and Visa overall, with a focus on inference systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and drive the overall technical strategy and architecture, ensuring alignment with business goals while accelerating innovation and time to market.

• Architect, design, and code highly scalable, reliable, and secure distributed systems and platforms.

• Lead the adoption of Generative AI and Agentic AI to boost developer productivity, empower the underlying technologies to build innovative business solutions and products.

• Establish and promote best practices for software development, including CI/CD automation and DevOps, to improve efficiency and quality across the SSDLC.

• Actively contribute to critical projects by developing key modules, core frameworks, automation tools, and proof-of-concepts to validate emerging ideas and technologies.

• Provide technology leadership, especially in GenAI, and motivate high-performing engineering teams, setting clear priorities to achieve product and technology KPIs.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with security, privacy, governance, and business partners to deliver compliant, scalable, and reliable solutions that meet all non-functional requirements.

• Communicate technical strategy and engineering solutions effectively to diverse stakeholders, including executives and business units.

• Mentor and coach senior engineers and engineering managers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning through brown bags, tech talks, and one-on-one sessions.

• Implement rigorous application development, testing, deployment, and monitoring practices to uphold architectural excellence and reliability standards.

• Adhere to Visa's Leadership Principles by promoting collaboration, acting as owner, and executing with excellence.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or at least 10 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications

• 15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9+ years of experience
• Technical Expertise: 15+ years in software engineering with a strong background in architecting large-scale, distributed systems. Proficiency in languages like Java, Python, or GoLang, and frameworks such as Spring, Node.js, React. Experience with RESTful and gRPC APIs, microservices, and event-driven systems. Strong skills in inference systems.
• Generative AI & Agentic AI: Proven experience leveraging Generative AI and Agentic AI to support productivity improvements and product innovation. Familiarity with integrating AI solutions into existing platforms.
• Security Expertise: Strong understanding of API security, data encryption, and Hardware Security Modules (HSMs). Experience in building secure applications and implementing security-first practices.
• Database Skills: Proficiency in SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g., MSSQL, MongoDB). Experience with distributed caching technologies like Redis.
• Cloud & DevOps: Hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP. Strong understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker), and orchestration tools (Kubernetes).
• SSDLC Automation: Demonstrated ability to automate SSDLC phases to improve efficiency and quality. Experience with automated testing frameworks, code quality tools, and delivery pipelines.
• Architectural Leadership: Deep understanding of architectural patterns and best practices. Ability to balance short-term and long-term technological decisions aligned with business goals. Experience in designing and maintaining highly available (99.999%), reliable, active active critical systems.
• Hands-On Attitude: Willingness to contribute directly to codebases and develop to validate new ideas and integrate beneficial emerging technologies.
• Leadership & Communication: Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering a collaborative environment. Excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Additional Qualifications: Familiarity with compliance and regulatory requirements in the payments industry is a plus. Passion for staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies.

U.S. Applicants Only

The estimated salary range for this positionis $217,900.00 to $ 349,000.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity.Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.

Work Hours

Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements

This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protect veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.