The role / impact
In this role, you will play a critical part in designing, building, and deploying backend generative AI solutions that power automated, intelligent workflows. You will take ambiguous, complex R&D problems and convert them into production-ready software, ensuring our models are robust, scalable, and secure.
Your engineering expertise will directly shape our machine learning architecture, ensuring the team maintains absolute ownership of the production-grade code that moves into deployment. By championing technical excellence and acting as a role model, you will drive clarity across teams and elevate our overall technical capabilities.
The team / how they connect
You will join the AI North America team, a highly collaborative and innovative group of around 40 people working remotely across Canada and the US in the PST timezone. The team consists of applied scientists and engineers who work together closely on cutting-edge Agentic AI implementations within an agile framework. Together, you will focus on building AI-native user experiences and driving technical clarity in a supportive environment.
The team is currently working on
Developing JAX 3.0, transitioning our chatbot into a next-generation, AI-native platform for work
Building the infrastructure and workflows required for agentic performance and evaluation
Evaluating, rewriting, and adapting models into production-grade backend solutions
Optimising our core technical stack which includes Python, AWS, Kubernetes, PydanticAI, and Temporal
Where and how you can work
This is a fully remote position within Canada, with a preference for candidates based in Vancouver, though Toronto is also an acceptable location if you are willing to work in Pacific Standard Time (PST). Our team connects primarily through virtual meetings and Slack. While you will enjoy full remote flexibility, you will also have access to our modern office spaces for intentional collaboration and scheduled team boost days.
Here are some of the things we are looking for
A strong background in building highly scalable backend engineering solutions in cloud environments
The ability to independently navigate ambiguity and translate complex challenges into clear, working technical solutions
Curious and fluent with AI tools, knowing how to leverage them to accelerate research and development without compromising on code quality
A deep sense of ownership and understanding of code, with a commitment to maintaining 100% accountability for everything moved into production
Excellent communication skills to align effectively with product managers, project managers, and R&D leaders across the business
Familiarity with Python, Kubernetes, GenAI, machine learning concepts, or frontend interfaces would be a welcome addition to the team
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.
At Xero, we value the impact and skills you bring to the team. We believe in a Total Package philosophy - ensuring your value is recognized through a holistic lens that includes base salary, performance incentives, and world-class benefits.
The expected base salary range for this role is $195,000 - $235,000 CAD.
Individual pay is determined by various factors, including geography, level of experience, and the specific skills you bring to the role.
In addition to base pay, Xero’s roles are eligible for the following forms of variable compensation:
Variable Pay: Permanent employees are eligible to participate in our annual bonus and equity (RSU) programs. You may also be eligible for performance-based cash or equity (RSUs) incentives depending on your role level, and company performance.
Comprehensive Benefits: World-class health, wellness, and retirement programs. Xero Perks including Wellbeing days, generous leave, and dedicated professional development budgets.
This is a posting for an existing vacancy.
Xero uses AI to help screen applications based on job-related qualifications. These tools assist our recruiters but do not make automated hiring decisions. A human recruiter reviews all candidates before any hiring action is taken.
Skills Required
- Experience building highly scalable backend engineering solutions in cloud environments
- Experience designing, building, and deploying production-grade generative AI or ML backend solutions
- Ability to translate ambiguous R&D problems into clear, production-ready technical solutions
- Demonstrated ownership and accountability for production code and deployments
- Excellent communication and collaboration with product managers and R&D leaders
- Based in Canada and able to work Pacific Standard Time (PST) hours
- Familiarity with Python
- Familiarity with Kubernetes
- Familiarity with GenAI and machine learning concepts
- Familiarity with AWS
- Familiarity with JAX, PydanticAI, or Temporal
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.
