Mastercard is a global technology leader empowering economies and people across more than 200 countries. We are dedicated to building an inclusive digital economy where everyone can thrive through secure, simple, and accessible transactions. Our commitment to innovation, partnerships, and robust networks delivers unique products and services that unlock potential for individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.

Join our Systems and Platform Architecture team as a Lead Solutions Architect. This role is pivotal in designing and overseeing VocaLink solutions throughout their entire development lifecycle, from initial bid and concept through architecture, design, build, testing, and final delivery into production.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing high-level designs for platform infrastructure solutions. You will also maintain the technology roadmap for our platform and Unix solutions, ensuring alignment with end-of-support dates. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Delivery, Engineering, and Operations, is key.

Ensure all new solutions adhere to company policies and standards, meeting critical non-functional requirements such as performance, scalability, availability, security, and manageability. You will identify and assess technical risks, communicating them effectively to both business and operational stakeholders. Additionally, you will evaluate products for current and future projects and take the lead in trialing new technologies.

Essential expertise includes in-depth knowledge of Linux Operating Systems (Oracle Linux/RHEL) and Virtualisation Technologies (OVM, KVM, OLVM). Proficiency in VMWare (ESX) is also required, alongside significant experience in demanding, high-availability environments. You must demonstrate proven experience in delivering complex technical designs and architectures.

Candidates should possess the ability to present intricate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Flexibility to embrace new products, services, strategies, and work methodologies is crucial. A strong understanding of how non-functional requirements like performance and availability are met through technology solutions is essential.

Desirable skills include knowledge of Solaris 11, Containers (K8S), advanced VMWare features (vSAN, vROPs, NSX), IT Security experience, and HSM knowledge (Entrust NShield/XC, Thales PayShield).

You will be expected to continuously monitor market trends and competition to identify beneficial new technologies. Identifying areas for continuous improvement and providing sustainable solutions is vital. The ability to articulate technical problems succinctly and clearly, communicate your vision and roadmap effectively to diverse stakeholders, and proactively seek solutions to challenges are core expectations for this role.