Chief System Engineer (Architect), Workplace Technology

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Visa’s Corporate IT group is on a groundbreaking transformational journey to redefine our approach to technology. We are moving beyond the 'traditional' IT playbook of simply purchasing off-the-shelf solutions. Instead, we are transforming into a true engineering organization where customer experience is paramount, and we create highly leveraged platforms with a focus on operational excellence to ensure our platforms and services are resilient and robust. While we may leverage packaged software solutions like ServiceNow and Flexera, we are committed to innovating around their limitations to enhance user experience and scalability.

Job Scope
As Chief System Engineer (Architect) for Workplace Technology, you will serve as the most senior technical leader across Core Infrastructure and Network, Client Engineering, Cloud and Email Services, and Digital Media and Unified Communications. You will drive innovation, architectural excellence, and operational simplicity, leading a team of architects to deliver robust, efficient, and user-centric workplace solutions. A strong background in AI and agentic technologies in the workplace is highly desired.

Essential Functions:

Strategy & Architecture

• Develop and execute technology strategies and architectural roadmaps aligned with business objectives and emerging technologies.
• Partner with executive management and cross-functional teams (Cyber, Operations, Engineering, Product, and Support) to set priorities, direction, and timelines.
• Lead integration efforts to deliver cohesive, intuitive user experiences across workplace platforms.
• Drive enterprise-wide adoption of innovative workplace technologies, including AI and agentic systems.

Innovation

• Continuously evaluate industry trends and emerging technologies (AI, automation, cloud, etc.) to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. 
• Champion the adoption of new tools and solutions, ensuring security and risk management are embedded from inception.

Execution & Operations

• Oversee the technical delivery of large-scale transformational programs, ensuring target scope, schedule, and cost objectives are met. 
• Provide technical oversight for system-related projects, including new functionalities and technologies. 
• Ensure change management best practices are followed.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, earning credibility as a trusted advisor. 
• Communicate complex technology strategies in clear, non-technical language to diverse audiences. 
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and status reports.

Governance & Best Practices

• Ensure architecture and solutions align with organizational security, compliance, and operational standards.
• Implement metrics-driven management and continuous improvement processes.

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

Basic Qualifications:

• 15+ years of technology leadership and hands-on engineering experience, ideally with an advanced degree (MS, MBA, PhD, etc.).
• Distinguished or Senior Distinguished Engineer with expertise across:
  • Core Infrastructure & Network
  • Client Engineering (end-user devices, virtualization)
  • Cloud and Email Services (Microsoft Suite, Azure, Office 365)
  • Digital Media & Unified Communications (AV, UC, voice, streaming)
• Strong track record of driving technology transformation, integration, and operations simplification.
• Deep understanding of AI/agentic technologies and practical application in the workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to take ownership of complex, open-ended problems and drive them to successful completion.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supporting personal growth at all levels.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and orchestrate effective communication and engagement initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technology strategy to diverse audiences in non-technical language.
• Ability to drive consensus across diverse, global technology, and business partners.
• Sound judgment, high ethical standards, and the ability to work effectively with others at all levels.
• Experience in leading enterprise technology and cultural transformation programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of tools and technologies and metrics-driven management.
• Strong conviction to drive things to closure with a high sense of ownership, low ego, and a proactive, solution-oriented attitude.
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and independent judgment.
• Strong experience in providing exceptional customer service and supporting business continuity planning.

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 protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 184,100 to 267,050 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.