Mastercard is a global leader in the payments industry, connecting and powering an inclusive digital economy for everyone, everywhere. We are dedicated to making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible, leveraging secure data, robust networks, and strategic partnerships. Our mission is to empower individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses to achieve their greatest potential.

We are seeking a Lead Network Architect to join our Systems and Platform Architecture team. This role is crucial for designing and overseeing VocaLink solutions throughout their entire development lifecycle, from initial bid and concept to architecture, design, build, testing, and final delivery into production.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for creating high-level designs for our platform infrastructure solutions. You will also maintain the technology roadmap for Platform and Unix Solutions, ensuring alignment with end-of-support dates.

Collaboration is key, as you'll work closely with cross-functional teams including Delivery, Engineering, and Operations. A core aspect of your work will involve ensuring new solutions adhere to established policies and standards, while meeting critical non-functional requirements for performance, scalability, availability, security, and manageability. Additionally, you will identify, assess, and effectively communicate technical risks to both business and operations stakeholders. You will also evaluate new products for current and future projects, taking ownership of trialing emerging technologies.

The ideal candidate possesses Cisco CCIE qualification and extensive experience with F5, Palo Alto, Arista, Checkpoint, and Infoblox. A significant background in demanding, high-availability environments is essential, complemented by proven experience in delivering complex technical designs and architectures.

Strong communication skills are vital, enabling you to present intricate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. You should demonstrate flexibility in adapting to new products, services, strategies, and work methodologies. A thorough understanding of how non-functional requirements like performance and availability are realized through technological solutions is expected. Desirable qualifications include Netbrain and Gigastor expertise.