The role / impact
As a Principal Engineer, you will work in collaboration across multiple teams within our product group to help create and deliver world-class software to our customers, faster. You will help define the standard for engineering excellence, evolving our technical architecture in alignment with product strategy, and leading initiatives that grow the technical capabilities of our engineers.
Partnering closely with engineering leadership, you will influence group-level technical strategy, break down organizational silos, and drive data-driven architectural decisions that release value early to solve complex customer problems at scale.
The team / how they connect
You will join a collaborative product group where engineering practices are guided across multiple teams. The team works together to balance automation, performance, operational health, and deployment pipelines, maintaining a strong focus on security and data guidelines. By promoting Xero-wide quality standards and creating an inclusive environment, everyone connects to ensure high-performing and reliable outcomes.
Initially, you will focus on
Guiding engineering practices across multiple teams and establishing portfolio-wide architectural direction.
Contributing to the design of highly scalable, reliable, and performant cloud-native applications.
Promoting Xero-wide quality standards, guiding teams in defining SLOs, and ensuring security guidelines are embedded across systems.
Shaping frameworks to quantify technical debt and proactively preventing production issues through robust tooling.
Where and how you can work
Xero offers flexible working options designed to support your productivity and wellbeing. We blend working from home with time together in our collaborative office spaces, using boost days to connect, collaborate, and innovate in person.
Here are some of the things we are looking for
Proven experience leading large, complex technical initiatives on cloud-native platforms, with a focus on scaling performance and reliability.
Exceptional communication skills, with an ability to share complex technical concepts clearly with both technical teams and executive leaders.
Demonstrated capability in contributing to long-term technical roadmaps and aligning engineering delivery with broader business strategy.
Strong problem-solving abilities that allow you to deconstruct complex challenges into clear outcomes and navigate technical trade-offs.
Experience implementing frameworks to quantify technical debt and prioritizing its strategic remediation alongside feature delivery.
A genuine dedication to mentoring engineers, driving delivery practices, and nurturing an inclusive, collaborative culture.
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
- Extensive experience leading large, complex technical initiatives on cloud-native platforms
- Proven ability to design scalable, reliable, and performant systems
- Experience defining and implementing SLOs and production quality/reliability standards
- Strong communication skills for technical and executive audiences
- Experience establishing architectural vision and aligning technical roadmaps with business strategy
- Demonstrated ability to quantify and drive remediation of technical debt
- Track record of mentoring and coaching engineers across levels and fostering inclusive culture
- Willingness to participate in team on-call rotation
Xero Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — U.S. materials cite about 21 days PTO, 10 wellbeing days, five Xtra days, a volunteer day, and 12 paid holidays, plus an end‑of‑year shutdown. Company descriptions position this package toward the upper tier among midsize/large tech employers in the U.S. market.
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Parental & Family Support — Primary caregivers are described as eligible for up to 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave, with partner leave in some markets. Family‑forming support via Carrot and access to Modern Health for employees and immediate family reinforce depth in this area.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Access to Modern Health, a funded ThrivePass wellbeing account (U.S.), and flexible/hybrid work are emphasized as part of a broader wellbeing strategy alongside ERGs and “Boost Day” events. Feedback suggests these programs contribute meaningfully to work‑life balance.
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.
Gallery
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.
