Staff Gen AI Engineer

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.

We are looking for a Staff Gen AI Engineer to join our Global Front-end Engineering team to build next generation of tools and products. All of our team members are strategic thinkers and conceptual problem solvers who make every decision an informed one. We value hard work, accountability and collaboration and look for proven skills over big egos. Our team excels in working together and recognizing individual strengths and values each contributor as a key factor in successfully delivering a project. If you understand “Yes, and” over No, this is the team for you.  

In this role, you will play a crucial part in designing, developing, deploying, and optimizing AI-powered tools for code/prototype generation using modern LLMs and associated technologies. You will build and maintain robust backend systems using Python and FastAPI, ensuring scalability, security, and performance for enterprise-level GenAI applications. Additionally, you will leverage advanced techniques such as prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agent-based architectures. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will need to stay updated with the latest advancements in the generative AI space to integrate best practices and innovative solutions into our projects. 

Essential Qualifications: 

 Solid experience in designing and building production grade, enterprise-level full stack GenAI applications, ensuring scalability, reliability, security, and performance. 

• Strong proficiency with Python, FastAPI and PostgreSQL for backend development. 
• Solid understanding of web technologies(HTML,CSS, JavaScript) and one or more Frontend frameworks like ReactJs.  
• Solid understanding of Large Language Models (OpenAI, Claude etc.), AI agents, and orchestration, observability frameworks (e.g., LangGraph, LangSmith). 
• Experience with techniques such as Fine tuning LLMs, prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and embedding techniques. 
• Experience with vector databases (e.g., Pinecone, ChromaDB) and embedding models Experience with containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes 
• Familiarity with Vibe coding tools such as Bolt, Lovable, V0 
• Experience with working Frontend Design Systems will be a big plus.  
• Background in Data Science is a big plus  
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to tackle complex technical challenges.  
• Excellent communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams. 
• Ability to stay updated with the latest advancements in the generative AI field. 
• Strong understanding of software engineering principles and best practices 
• Focus on creating user-friendly and intuitive solutions that enhance user experience.

Role responsibilities: 

• Design, build and deploy scalable, secure, and high-performance complex AI systems using generative AI-based tools and stacks for rapid code/prototype generation. 
• Design, develop, and maintain robust backend systems using Python and FastAPI. 
• Leverage your solid understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs), AI agents, and orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangGraph) to enhance our AI capabilities. 
• Apply prompt optimization strategies and techniques to improve AI model outputs. 
• Utilize techniques such as prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and embedding techniques to develop innovative AI solutions. 
• Build evaluation frameworks to measure model performance and ensure quality for production use 
• Design and manage efficient database systems for storing and retrieving data. 
• Use containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes to deploy and manage applications. 
• Stay up-to-date with the current engineering landscape in the generative AI space and integrate best practices into our solutions. 

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

Relocation assistance is not available for this role

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
• BS in Computer Science or a related field, plus 10+ years of related experience, or any combination of education and experience providing an equivalent background
• 2+ years of experience leading software engineering teams and mentoring developers
• Hands-on engineering experience architecting enterprise-grade Gen AI applications

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 124,700.00 to 180,650.00 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.