Staff Data Scientist

We are seeking a highly technical and hands-on Staff Data Scientist to contribute to the development of AI-driven data products across the Visa Acceptance Platform. In this role, you will work closely with engineering, product, and architecture partners to design, build, and deploy machine learning solutions that operate at global scale.

This is an execution-focused role for an experienced data scientist who thrives in production environments and enjoys solving complex data and modeling problems that directly impact customers.

What You Will Do (Essential Functions)

• Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models and data solutions that support analytics, predictive insights, and AI-powered platform features.
• Perform data exploration, feature engineering, modeling, and validation using large, complex datasets.
• Build, maintain, and improve data pipelines and model workflows in partnership with engineering teams.
• Apply appropriate metrics and evaluation techniques to measure model performance, reliability, and business impact.
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, and Security partners to translate business requirements into scalable and secure data science solutions.
• Contribute to platform modernization efforts by improving data quality, performance, reliability, and observability.
• Support operational readiness through monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of deployed models.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Basic Qualifications:

• 5 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelors Degree or at least 2 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 0 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6 or more years of work experience with a Bachelors Degree or 4 or more years of relevant experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or up to 3 years of relevant experience with a PhD
• 2+ years of experience building and deploying AI/ML models for analytics, predictions, or recommendations in production environments.
• 3+ years of experience working with large-scale data technologies such as Spark, Kafka, Hadoop, Hive, NoSQL, or relational databases.
• 2+ years of experience designing and maintaining ETL or data pipelines.
• Experience working with big data, distributed systems, and batch or streaming data processing.
• Strong understanding of metrics design, experimentation, and model evaluation techniques.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL; experience with modern ML frameworks is a plus.

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 this position is 145,300.00 to 232,700.00 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.