The role & impact
As a Principal Engineer in our payment platforms team, you will drive technical strategy and lead the architectural direction of systems that process critical financial transactions at scale. You will solve complex engineering challenges, shape future-proof architecture, and elevate technical excellence across the platform while directly influencing our core product vision.
Beyond guiding overall system design, you will act as a key technical leader and mentor to senior engineers. You will nurture a culture of continuous learning, champion best practices, and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to ensure our payment systems remain reliable, performant, and secure.
The team & how they connect
You will join a dedicated payment platforms team that builds and scales the core infrastructure powering global transactions. Working alongside product managers, site reliability engineers, and software developers, the team operates in an agile, collaborative environment. Together, they focus on sharing knowledge, maintaining high quality standards, and building resilient systems that seamlessly connect our users to financial services.
The team is currently working on
Modernising payment system architecture to handle high-volume distributed transactions safely and efficiently.
Evolving microservices and cloud infrastructure using modern C#, React, and AWS capabilities.
Optimising CI/CD deployment pipelines and expanding test-driven development (TDD) coverage.
Defining organisation-wide engineering guidelines, architecture patterns, and technical strategy.
Where and how you can work
We offer a flexible hybrid working model designed to support balance, focus, and connection. You can work from home while taking advantage of our modern office spaces during team collaboration days, ensuring you have the environment and flexibility to perform at your best.
Here are some of the things we are looking for
Deep expertise in building, scaling, and architecting complex distributed systems within cloud environments such as AWS.
A strong background in C# backend development paired with an understanding of modern frontend frameworks like React.
Demonstrated experience establishing technical direction, refactoring legacy components, and designing resilient platforms.
Proven abilities in mentoring senior engineers and fostering engineering standards across multi-disciplinary teams.
Solid practice in test-driven development (TDD) and modern CI/CD delivery processes.
Exceptional communication skills to convey complex architectural concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Deep curiosity for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and experience working on or with AI tools.
Apply even if your experience isn't a perfect match! At Xero, we hire based on your skills, passion, and the unique perspective you can bring to enhance our culture and team.
Skills Required
- Proven experience leading large, complex technical projects on cloud-native platforms
- Strong ability to mentor and coach engineers
- Experience contributing to a long-term technical vision
Xero Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is extensive in the U.S., including 21 days of annual leave, 10 wellbeing days, five “Xtra” days, three year‑end company holidays, and a paid volunteer day. Feedback suggests this structure provides meaningful flexibility for rest and personal needs.
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Parental & Family Support — Primary caregivers receive 26 weeks fully paid leave and partners receive six weeks, with additional family‑forming support available. Feedback suggests this depth of caregiver support stands out within the package.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Employees have access to Modern Health coaching/counseling, Carrot fertility benefits, and an employer‑funded ThrivePass wellbeing allowance. Feedback suggests these offerings create a holistic wellbeing layer beyond standard medical coverage.
Xero Insights
What We Do
Xero is small business accounting software that provides a platform on which businesses can build a fully integrated solution. It’s designed to make life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. Xero minimises tedious admin by automating routine tasks, delivers valuable insights when needed, and brings together business data, trusted advisors, and powerful apps in one intuitive platform. By alleviating pain points, Xero empowers small business owners to supercharge their business, simplifying the complex and freeing up time from manual admin so they can focus on what really matters to build the business they’ve always envisaged.
Why Work With Us
Xero is a human-centric organization where you’ll have a tangible impact on the success of small businesses and their communities, globally. Our team of energised, forward-thinkers work to make life better for our customers and each other every day. We’re also always committed to supporting you with a flexible environment.
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Xero Teams
Xero Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Join us from home or at one of our beautiful workspaces. Xero has offices in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Singapore, and South Africa.
