AVP, Data Backup and Recovery Engineer

Job Description : Role Summary :

The AVP, Data Backup and Recovery Engineer is responsible for both engineering and operational oversight of data backup and recovery solutions in public cloud (AWS) and on-premises environments. In this role, you will play a critical part in safeguarding our data assets by designing, implementing, and maintaining resilient data protection strategies in a regulated financial services environment. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with cloud backup technologies, a keen understanding of regulatory requirements, and a strong background in both cloud and traditional IT infrastructures.

Our Way of Working

We're proud to offer you choice and flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home, near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Essential Responsibilities :

Design, implement, and manage data backup, recovery, and resilience solutions for AWS and on-premises environments, including Rubrik backup infrastructure.

Evaluate existing disaster recovery and backup processes; recommend and implement improvements to enhance data protection capabilities.

Develop, maintain, and enforce data retention, backup, disaster recovery, and ransomware resilience standards, procedures, automation, and controls.

Ensure ongoing regulatory and security compliance (e.g., SOX, PCI-DSS, FFIEC) by collaborating with Security, Compliance, and Infrastructure teams, addressing audit requirements, and remediating findings.

Analyze business needs and define appropriate Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO).

Integrate and automate data protection workflows using AWS native tools and on-premises resources.

Conduct regular disaster recovery and ransomware recovery testing, including simulations with Security and Incident Response teams, to validate readiness, integrity, and recoverability.

Analyze test outcomes, identify gaps or vulnerabilities, and implement improvements to data resilience strategies.

Monitor backup operations, test and report on backup job status, integrity, and restoration capabilities.

Create and maintain comprehensive documentation including system architectures, procedures, runbooks, and incident responses.

Stay current with cloud technologies and emerging trends in backup and disaster recovery.

Provide technical guidance and training to stakeholders regarding data resilience best practices.

Design and implement alternative backup strategies for applications that require exceptions to standard procedures.

Perform other duties and / or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements :

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Math, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND 7+ years' experience in infrastructure, IT Operations, cloud, or system architecture work OR, in lieu of degree, High School Diploma / GED with 15+ years of experience in infrastructure, IT Operations, cloud, or system architecture work.

5+ years of experience in a management or team lead role within IT Engineering or Operations

AWS Solution Architect certification preferred

Hands-on experience with backup and recovery technologies (e.g., Veeam, Commvault, Rubrik, Cohesity, native cloud tools).

Hands-on experience and strong understanding of AWS cloud platforms

Experience implementing and managing backup and disaster recovery in large-scale environments.

Desired Characteristics :

Able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, global Agile environment and collaborate effectively across time zones.

Experience working within SAFe or other scaled Agile frameworks.

Proven ability to build and sustain strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders across IT and business functions.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex topics, influence outcomes, and drive execution.

Prior experience in Credit Card, Banking, or FinTech industries, with a deep understanding of operations in highly regulated environments.

Demonstrated track record of delivering complex, innovative technology solutions.

Hands-on experience with cloud architectures and operations (AWS, Azure, on-premises).

Familiar with infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation) and automation practices.

Adept in enterprise compliance requirements, frameworks, and governance.

Enterprise storage background (DELL, NetApp, Pure) and enterprise cloud backup experience (Rubrik, Cohesity, Data Domain / VE, Avamar / VE).

AWS certification or training is highly desirable.

Strong automation and scripting skills.

Self-starter with a strong work ethic and 'can do,' results-oriented attitude.

Effective cross-functional team player who excels in a matrix organization.

Creative, enthusiastic, and customer-focused with solid prioritization and organizational skills.

Grade / Level : 10

The salary range for this position is 75,000.00 - 130,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.

Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.

Eligibility Requirements :

You must be 18 years or older

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent

You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process

You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles. Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months' time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles. Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months' time in position before they can post. All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don't meet the time in position or performance expectations).

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Our Commitment :

When you join us, you'll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard - but valued. Together, we're building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.

This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We're proud to have an award-winning culture for all.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice :

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-866-301-5627. Representatives are available from 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time

Job Family Group :

Information Technology