The role / impact
You will partner with database engineers and product development teams to ensure the resilience, quality, and performance of Xero's core database platform. By combining technical due diligence with modern AI tooling, you will help optimise day-to-day operations across our SQL Server fleet while proactively managing database risks, changes, and releases.
In this role, you will play a central part in modernising our data architecture as we migrate services from SQL Server RDS to Aurora Postgres RDS. You will provide strategic guidance on query performance and database design, supporting product teams with deep technical insights to build sustainable, scalable infrastructure for millions of customers.
The team / how they connect
You will join a supportive and collaborative team of senior database engineers spread across Australia and New Zealand. The team works closely with internal product squads, acting as trusted advisers to solve complex database challenges through open communication and shared problem-solving. Through daily standups and regular technical collaboration, team members learn from one another while supporting continuous delivery across our database platforms.
The team is currently working on / Initially, you will focus on
Managing and optimising day-to-day operations across our extensive SQL Server and SQL Server RDS database fleet.
Planning and executing end-to-end database migrations from SQL Server to Aurora Postgres RDS.
Integrating AI tools into engineering workflows to increase efficiency in query analysis, risk identification, and proactive maintenance.
Partnering with product development teams to consult on schema design, query tuning, and database observability using AWS tools.
Where and how you can work
This role is open to applicants based in New Zealand or Australia. We offer flexible working arrangements with no formal day-to-day in-office requirement, though you will have access to our local office spaces and will be invited to gather in person for key team events and connection days throughout the year.
Here are some of the things we are looking for
Deep expertise in SQL Server and SQL Server RDS, with a strong emphasis on query analysis and performance tuning.
Practical experience or familiarity with Aurora Postgres RDS, alongside a desire to contribute to active database migration projects.
A pragmatic approach to technical ownership, with the capability to identify risks early and implement sustainable solutions.
Clear communication skills that enable you to translate database complexities for product teams and collaborate effectively across disciplines.
Curiosity and openness to leveraging AI tools to streamline routine tasks and enhance engineering productivity.
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
- Deep technical expertise in C# and ASP.NET Core
- Experience with modern frontend frameworks such as React and Redux
- SQL Server data modeling experience
- Background in architecting and refactoring distributed systems using REST APIs on AWS
- Demonstrated capability integrating AI tools and automated agents into production
- Solid grounding in CI/CD concepts, automated tooling, and test-driven development
- Experience balancing and refactoring legacy WebForms with modern distributed architectures
- Experience building SDKs and internal libraries for team integration
- Willingness to participate in on-call roster and incident response
- Mentoring and coaching experience with an inclusive approach
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.
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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.
