Lead Data Architect

Visa Visa · Fintech · Austin, TX

Lead Data Architect at Visa (Pismo), focusing on designing and governing real-time and event-driven data architectures using technologies like Apache Kafka and Azure streaming services. The role involves defining end-to-end data architecture patterns, developing reference architectures, and partnering with Data Engineering and Enterprise Architecture teams. It also includes leading proofs of concept and technology evaluations.

What you'd actually do

  1. Design and govern real-time and event‑driven data architectures leveraging Apache Kafka and Azure streaming services (e.g., Azure Event Hubs with Kafka compatibility, Azure Stream Analytics).
  2. Define and maintain end‑to‑end data architecture patterns across real‑time, near‑real‑time, and batch processing paradigms.
  3. Develop and maintain reference architectures, data flow diagrams, and technical standards to guide platform and delivery teams.
  4. Partner closely with Data Engineering, Platform, and Enterprise Architecture teams to deliver solutions that are scalable, secure, well‑governed, and compliant.
  5. Lead proofs of concept (PoCs) and technology evaluations, providing clear architectural recommendations and trade‑off analyses.

Skills

Required

  • 10+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 7 years of work experience with an Advanced degree
  • 8+ years’ experience as a Data Architect or Senior Data Engineer
  • Deep expertise in Streaming architectures
  • Strong hands‑on experience with Azure data and analytics platforms
  • Proven experience designing and delivering both streaming and batch data solutions at enterprise scale
  • Excellent documentation, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills

Nice to have

  • Experience with Databricks, AWS and Apache Airflow
  • Prior experience in Banking or financial services, particularly in architecture roles within regulated environments