Data Scientist, New College Grad

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 276 billion payments transactions 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. 

The Global Data Office  

Led by Visa’s first Chief Data Officer, the Global Data Office coordinates high-impact, complex, company-wide projects related to data business strategy, critical investments, policy development, and marketplace execution. Working closely with Visa’s Chief Privacy Officer, the Technology organization, the wider data community, and the full set of Visa’s global lines of business, the Global Data Office is committed to the trusted use of data and AI.  

Visa’s Data & AI Governance Team (DAG) creates and implements foundational data and AI management and governance policies, standards and processes. Visa’s brand is built on trust. As the world’s leader in digital payments, we hold ourselves to the highest standards for data and AI usage, protection and privacy. Our goal is to be both a protector and enabler of growth, helping all staff to use data and AI to make critical business decisions, drive operational excellence, improve employee engagement, drive growth for Visa and our clients, optimize cost, and minimize risks to the enterprise.   

The Data & AI Governance team is looking for ‘AI Native’ New College Graduates with varying levels of experience and backgrounds (2-4 years) to join our progressive program. In this program, you will be staffed on our highest need initiatives and enrolled in a learning and development plan targeted at developing our most critical Data & AI governance competencies. While experiences may vary by candidate and business need, the program will include 3-5 rotations over 24 months working on high impact opportunities while collaborating with a wide array of key stakeholders across product, risk, engineering, sales, strategy, finance and marketing. Rotation and learning experiences will build skills in data & AI policy development, governance and lifecycle management, use case review, data analytics, risk management, training and employee engagement. The intention is that, upon completion, high performing program participants will be prepared to take on advanced roles within the team, the Global Data Office, or elsewhere in Visa.  

You must be a self-starter, ready to learn and experiment, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team. A key driver of success will be the ability to focus on the highest leverage activities in the face of rapid change and new information, and the ability to independently drive activities all the way to successful completion. Robust Data and AI Governance will be a focal point in our strategy to deliver world-class products to market, and this role is a key piece of that vision. 

We are hiring for the Data Scientist in our Foster City office. 

Sample responsibilities 

• Support development of innovative tools, roadmaps, documentation, and training to strengthen Data and AI Governance at Visa. 
• Acquire expertise on Visa’s Data and AI products and support initiative owners and technical teams on governance requirements and risk mitigation. 
• Analyze new use cases to identify risks and compliance issues. 
• Leverage AI and new tools to drive efficiency and innovation. 
• Collaborate with internal Visa teams (e.g., regional, Product, Technology, Privacy, Risk, Cybersecurity, and Legal) to ensure policy and regulatory compliance. 
• Gather and apply stakeholder feedback to help update and implement policy guidance. 
• Support metrics, reporting, and communication of performance results to drive insights 
• Provide training and support for Data Stewardship, Data Lifecycle Management, risk identification, and use case assessments. 

Basic Qualifications 

•  2 years of relevant work experience with a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Economics, Statistics, or a related technical field graduating January 2024 - August 2025 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Training or work experience in project or program management  
• Outstanding written, verbal communication and presentation skills    
• Ability to lead development projects from start to finish. 
• Comfort with ambiguity. Ability to structure complex analysis through data analysis and strategy research. 
• Proficiency in data analysis techniques, statistical analysis, data visualization, and data mining  
• Power user with Excel; ability to use tools such as python, Scala, R, SQL, and data visualization software, such as PowerBI, Tableau. 
• Familiarity with vector similarity search, RAG architectures, and LLM prompt evaluation 
• Experience co-developing with software engineers in production environments. 
• Experience in ML, AI and Generative AI model and applications development. 
• Hands-on experience with Pre-Training, Fine-Tuning, Reinforcement Learning. 
• Understanding of Model Bias, Fairness, Model Explainability, and Model Drift. 
• Experience with high-performance imperative languages including Python, Java, React.js, Next.js, full-stack web development 
• Familiarity with AI SaaS platforms to enable automation 
• Training or work experience in data governance, data lifecycle management, risk management, or data science involving AI 
• Knowledge of AI industry frameworks, and capability to streamline and accelerate workflows 
• Sector experience in payment processing/payment services, financial services (within a regulated environment), other regulated industries, or technology/financial technology 
• Preference for candidates ready to start working August/September 2025 – no early or late start dates to ensure a common onboarding experience and development opportunities. 

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary for a new hire into this position is $142,000 USD 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 

Work Authorization: Permanent Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment for this position. Visa will not sponsor applicants for work visas in connection with this position. Future sponsorship will not be considered. 

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department  

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

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel <5% 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.