Xero

Principal Engineer

Xero$227K — $284K *
Enterprise Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated leadership in delivering large-scale cloud-native software projects.
  • Proven success in mentoring engineers and creating inclusive team environments.
  • Ability to shape long-term architectural vision while balancing technical debt with product delivery.
  • Expertise in automating delivery processes and refining operational metrics.
  • Skilled communicator of complex technical concepts to both technical teams and executives.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with engineering teams to elevate technical excellence.
  • Guide architectural direction using data-driven decision-making.
  • Mentor technical talent and foster quality practices across teams.
  • Define technical frameworks and strategies to manage technical debt.
  • Refactor legacy services to enhance scalability and performance.

Benefits

  • Flexible hybrid working style with balanced remote and in-office collaboration.
  • Access to modern office spaces for team interactions.
  • World-class health, wellness, and retirement programs.
  • Generous leave policies and wellbeing days.
  • Dedicated budgets for professional development.
Full Job Description
The role & impact

You will work in collaboration with multiple engineering teams across the product group to guide, inspire, and elevate technical excellence. Shaping group-wide technical strategy, you will bridge organizational boundaries and partner with senior leaders to turn complex requirements into scalable, resilient software solutions.

Through data-driven decision-making, you will guide architectural direction, elevate engineering practices, and mentor technical talent. Your focus will be on solving large-scale systems challenges while enabling teams to deliver value to small businesses safely, securely, and swiftly.

The team & how they connect

You will join a cross-functional engineering collective made up of product management, architecture, and core delivery teams. Together, the group collaborates to build robust cloud-native applications, sharing knowledge through active communities of practice. The team works in a supportive, high-trust environment where open communication, continuous learning, and continuous improvement drive day-to-day work.

Initially, the role will focus on
  • Modern cloud platforms, automated CI/CD pipelines, and microservice architectures
  • Refactoring legacy services and enhancing system scalability, performance, and security standards
  • Defining portfolio-wide technical frameworks, SLOs, and strategies to quantify and address technical debt
  • Mentoring lead engineers and driving cross-team quality practices to simplify complex engineering workflows

Where and how you can work

We offer a flexible, hybrid working style that balances working from home with intentional in-person collaboration. You will have access to our modern, vibrant office spaces to connect with colleagues during key team moments and boost days, while having the flexibility to structure your work in a way that supports your productivity and personal balance.

Here are some of the things we are looking for
  • Demonstrated leadership in guiding large-scale cloud native software projects to successful delivery
  • Proven success mentoring engineers and fostering inclusive, psychologically safe team environments
  • Strong ability to shape long-term architectural vision while effectively balancing technical debt with product delivery
  • Expertise in automating delivery tooling, establishing quality standards, and refining operational metrics
  • Skilled at communicating nuanced technical concepts clearly to both technical teams and executive leaders

Compensation & Total Rewards

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 $227,700 - $284,600 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.

About Xero

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software platform for small and medium-sized businesses. The company was founded in 2006 in New Zealand and has since expanded to serve customers in over 180 countries. Xero's platform allows businesses to manage their finances, including invoicing, payroll, and expenses, all in one place. The company has won numerous awards for its innovative technology and commitment to customer service.
Learn more about Xero
Size
4,784 employees
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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