Vasilis Lakafosis

About Vasilis Lakafosis

As a Software Engineer at Meta, I lead transformative initiatives at the intersection of data privacy, infrastructure, and large-scale systems design. With 15+ years of experience spanning hyperscale platforms like Meta, Uber, and Cisco, I specialize in building foundational data systems that empower global compliance, drive engineering efficiency, and scale to billions of users.Currently, I serve as the Uber Tech Lead for Meta’s Data Understanding efforts, reporting to the Head of Core Data & Privacy Infrastructure (org of 500+). I architected and productionized Meta’s company-wide data schema and petabyte-scale ingestion infrastructure. My work has eliminated hundreds of engineering-years in duplicative data efforts, set new standards in programmatic data governance, directly supported Meta’s global data and AI privacy and compliance strategies and unified over 20+ infrastructure and product teams toward a multi-year vision.I’m also the first author of Meta’s widely cited [engineering blog on Data Understanding](https://engineering.fb.com/2025/04/28/security/how-meta-understands-data-at-scale), and a frequent mentor and coach to Staff+ engineers across domains.Previously at Uber, I conceived and deployed \'Archetype,\' a next-gen config management system, and automated data center onboarding—reducing rack deployment from hours to minutes, earning a U.S. patent. I also open-sourced \'Arachne,\' a distributed network monitoring tool adopted by hyper-scale companies, and presented at major conferences like the Open Networking Summit.What I Bring- Principal-level systems thinking with deep technical roots in distributed systems, network infrastructure, and data platforms. I tend to gravitate toward challenges and ambiguity- A proven ability to rally large orgs and cross-functional teams behind bold visions - A hybrid mindset of architect + operator + strategist - Track record of mentorship, patents, and public speaking

Experience

1. Senior Staff Software Engineer - E7

   Meta

   Feb 2022 — Present · Menlo Park, CA, US

   Spearheaded the company-wide Data Understanding strategy for Meta\'s 3B+ monthly active user ecosystem, establishing the foundational layer for its global Data Privacy programs. Drove foundational investments that achieved 99.8% automated data schematization, directly enabling compliance with major global regulations.* Pioneered the vision of a unified, interoperable data schema as the \"Uber Tech Lead\" for Data Understanding and first author of the Meta Engineering Blog post on the topic, establishing a new paradigm for programmatic data governance at scale.* Secured cross-functional alignment and influenced the technical roadmaps of over 20 product and infrastructure teams. Rallied and guided tens of Senior Staff+(IC6+) engineers to execute a cohesive, multi-year technical strategy.

Education

• The University of Tokyo

  School of Information Science and Technology

  2009 — 2009

• Georgia Institute of Technology

  M.Sc., Electrical & Computer Engineering | Minor: Computer Science

  2007 — 2009

• Georgia Institute of Technology

  Ph.D., Electrical & Computer Engineering | Minor: Computer Science

  2007 — 2013

• National Technical University of Athens

  Diploma (5 years), Electrical & Computer Engineering

  2001 — 2006