Lead Engineer – Payments Platform

Xero

. Shape the technical foundation for money movement capabilities and unlock new product lines globally .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeRemote • Washington • United StatesSenior💰 $206,000 - $260,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing high-throughput, distributed backend systems while ensuring operational excellence and scalability. Proficient in leading technical direction, mentoring engineers, and integrating AI capabilities to enhance engineering productivity.

Highest-signal resume keywords

High-Throughput Service DesignSystem Architecture ExpertiseC#, Java, Golang, or C++ ProficiencyCloud-Native Platforms (AWS)Technical Leadership and Mentoring

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Distributed Backend SystemsHigh-Throughput ServicesAPI DesignSQL DatabasesNoSQL DatabasesProduction Code ContributionProof-of-Concept DevelopmentAgile ExecutionComplex Problem SolvingAI Tools and Practices

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipMentoringInclusive Culture PromotionCollaboration with Cross-Functional TeamsCommunication

Tools & Technologies

AWSAI Tools

Industry Keywords

Payments InitiativeMoney Movement CapabilitiesOperational ExcellenceRisk and Fraud ManagementGlobal Bill Payment Product

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSCloudJavaNoSQLSQLC++Go

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Shape the technical foundation for money movement capabilities and unlock new product lines globally
Guide the design and development of reliable, scalable, performant, and secure platform services
Ensure operational excellence and direct business outcomes
Make foundational architectural decisions for an early-stage payments initiative
Contribute directly to production code and proof-of-concepts
Design and build payment platform capabilities including orchestration, risk and fraud, and multi-provider support
Build a global bill payment product for small businesses
Develop core high-throughput platform services
Integrate and champion artificial intelligence capabilities to improve engineering productivity and developer workflows
Collaborate with product, security, risk, operations, Product, and Design teams
Translate complex business needs into resilient engineering solutions supporting millions of subscribers
Set technical direction, mentor engineers, and foster an inclusive culture
Drive agile execution and technical deep dives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven track record delivering highly available, distributed backend systems
Experience designing high-throughput services under real-world constraints
Deep understanding of system architecture and API design
Experience with both SQL and NoSQL databases
Proficiency in C#, Java, Golang, or C++
Experience with cloud-native platforms such as AWS
Hands-on contribution to production code, proof-of-concepts, and technical deep dives
Strong technical leadership, mentoring, and inclusive-culture skills
Ability to break down complex problems into actionable solutions and drive agile execution
Ability to partner with Product, Design, and cross-functional teams
Advanced usage of AI tools and practices
Must be based within Washington State
Ability to work within the Pacific time zone

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity (RSU) programs
Annual bonus
Performance-based cash or equity incentives, depending on role level and company performance
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) match
21 days PTO
10 days of Wellbeing leave
5 days of Xtra Leave
1 volunteer day
12 paid holidays
Paid parental leave
Flexible remote work
In-person team alignment days and local hub events
Background checks including credit and criminal history checks for successful candidates