Senior Software Engineer, Backend - Onboarding
Backend Engineer · Senior · Full Time
Opens Airwallex's application page
Role
What you'll do.
Airwallex is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join their Onboarding team in Singapore, focusing on building scalable microservices for KYC, compliance, and user onboarding systems. The role requires expertise in Java/Kotlin, distributed systems architecture, and financial services compliance while working on high-traffic platforms serving 200,000+ global businesses.
Responsibilities
- Microservices Architecture: Design, develop, and maintain scalable Java/Kotlin microservices for high-traffic, high-availability onboarding systems
- Data Pipeline Development: Build robust data pipelines and analytics platforms in collaboration with data scientists and product managers
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with Frontend, Product, Design, and Marketing teams to translate business requirements into backend solutions
- A/B Testing Infrastructure: Develop backend services supporting rapid experimentation, feature toggles, and real-time performance monitoring
- Security & Compliance: Implement secure coding practices, authentication mechanisms, and maintain global regulatory compliance for financial data
- KYC System Development: Build and optimize Know Your Customer processes and risk-based operations for business onboarding
- Code Quality Assurance: Participate in architectural reviews, code reviews, and strategy sessions to maintain high engineering standards
- Performance Optimization: Continuously improve backend functionalities to reduce friction, increase user engagement, and drive conversions
Qualifications
What we look for.
Technical
Java/Kotlin Expertise
Strong proficiency in Java or Kotlin for enterprise-level backend development
Microservices Architecture
Experience designing and implementing distributed systems and microservices patterns
Database Design
Expertise in relational and NoSQL database design, optimization, and data modeling
API Development
RESTful API design principles and GraphQL implementation experience
Cloud Platforms
Hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP for scalable infrastructure
Financial Services
Understanding of fintech, payments, compliance requirements, and financial data handling
Education
Computer Science Degree
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Continuous Learning
Demonstrated commitment to staying current with emerging technologies and industry best practices
Experience
Senior-level Development
5+ years of backend engineering experience with high-traffic, mission-critical systems
Fintech or Payments
Experience in financial technology, payments processing, or regulatory compliance environments
Team Leadership
Experience mentoring junior developers and leading technical initiatives
Agile Development
Track record of working in fast-paced, agile development environments
Skills
Required
Java/Kotlin Programming
Advanced proficiency in Java or Kotlin for backend development
Microservices Design
Architecture and implementation of scalable distributed systems
Database Management
SQL and NoSQL database design, optimization, and administration
API Development
RESTful services, GraphQL, and service-to-service communication
Cloud Infrastructure
AWS, containerization, and cloud-native development practices
Security Best Practices
Secure coding, authentication, authorization, and compliance frameworks
Preferred
Kafka/Event Streaming
Nice to haveExperience with Apache Kafka and event-driven architectures
DevOps Practices
Nice to haveCI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, and automated testing
Financial Regulations
Nice to haveKnowledge of KYC, AML, PCI DSS, and other financial compliance requirements
Data Analytics
Nice to haveExperience with data pipelines, analytics platforms, and business intelligence
Performance Engineering
Nice to haveSystem optimization, load testing, and scalability planning
Kubernetes
Nice to haveContainer orchestration and cloud-native deployment strategies
Tech stack
Languages
Frameworks
Databases
Tools
Other
Compensation
Pay and benefits.
Benefits
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth in a fast-paced fintech environment
Global Team
Work with 2,000+ talented professionals across 26 offices worldwide
Innovation Focus
Access to cutting-edge financial technology and opportunity to shape the future of global banking
Mentorship Opportunities
Coach and mentor team members while learning from industry experts
Equity Participation
Potential equity participation in a US$8 billion valued company
Diverse Environment
Equal opportunity workplace with commitment to diversity and inclusion
Process
Interview steps.
- 01
Initial Screening
Phone or video screening with talent acquisition to discuss background and role alignment
- 02
Technical Assessment
Coding challenge focusing on Java/Kotlin, system design, and backend engineering principles
- 03
System Design Interview
Architecture discussion covering microservices, scalability, and fintech system requirements
- 04
Behavioral Interview
Culture fit assessment focusing on collaboration, ownership, and growth mindset
- 05
Final Round
Panel interview with senior engineers and team leads covering technical depth and team dynamics
- 06
Reference Check
Professional reference verification and offer discussion
Full posting
Original listing.
About Airwallex
Airwallex is the only unified payments and financial platform for global businesses. Powered by our unique combination of proprietary infrastructure and software, we empower over 200,000 businesses worldwide – including Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more – with fully integrated solutions to manage everything from business accounts, payments, spend management and treasury, to embedded finance at a global scale.
Proudly founded in Melbourne, we have a team of over 2,000 of the brightest and most innovative people in tech across 26 offices around the globe. Valued at US$8 billion and backed by world-leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Visa, Mastercard, Robinhood Ventures, Sequoia, Salesforce Ventures, DST Global, and Lone Pine Capital, Airwallex is leading the charge in building the global payments and financial platform of the future. If you’re ready to do the most ambitious work of your career, join us.
Attributes We Value
We hire successful builders with founder-like energy who want real impact, accelerated learning, and true ownership. You bring strong role-related expertise and sharp thinking, and you’re motivated by our mission and operating principles. You move fast with good judgment, dig deep with curiosity, and make decisions from first principles, balancing speed and rigor.
You're humble and collaborative; turn zero‑to‑one ideas into real products, and you “get stuff done” end-to-end. You use AI to work smarter and solve problems faster. Here, you’ll tackle complex, high‑visibility problems with exceptional teammates and grow your career as we build the future of global banking. If that sounds like you, let’s build what’s next.
The Opportunity: Be Part of Our Onboarding Team
Onboarding team plays a pivotal role in Airwallex's mission by facilitating the rapid integration of businesses into our platform. As a data-driven team, we utilize extensive analytics to refine our processes and ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. Our primary mission involves performing Know Your Customer (KYC) and risk-based operations to maintain the highest standards of compliance and security as we handle sensitive financial data, and empower business customers through robust, secure, and intuitive user and account management solutions.
This team is instrumental in our regional expansion, helping to onboard a growing number of customers into new markets. By supporting global expansion, we are also tasked with increasing the coverage of our product offerings, ensuring that businesses worldwide can benefit from our innovative financial solutions. Through our efforts, we aim to streamline the onboarding process, reduce barriers to entry, and foster a secure and compliant environment that empowers businesses to thrive in the digital economy.
What You’ll Do
Design and Build Scalable Systems
Architect, develop, and maintain microservices in Java/Kotlin (or similar languages), ensuring our high-traffic, high-availability systems meet global user demands.
Implement best practices for service-to-service communication, orchestration, and fault tolerance.
Enable Data-Driven Decisions
Collaborate with data scientists and product managers to design data pipelines, analytics platforms, and event-driven architectures.
Ensure the data powering our Growth initiatives is accurate, reliable, and easily accessible.
Collaborate and Innovate
Work closely with cross-functional teams—Frontend, Product, Design, and Marketing—to translate business requirements into scalable backend solutions.
Participate in architectural reviews, code reviews, and strategy sessions to continually elevate the quality and performance of our backend services.
Experiment and Iterate
Develop services that support rapid A/B testing, feature toggles, and real-time performance monitoring.
Continuously improve backend functionalities to reduce friction, increase user engagement, and drive conversions.
Promote Security & Compliance
Integrate secure coding practices and frameworks to protect user data and maintain global regulatory compliance.
Identify potential vulnerabilities, ensure robust authentication and authorization mechanisms, and proactively address security risks.
Who You Are
Experienced and Technically Proficient: You possess a wealth of experience in software development, underpinned by a robust expertise in Java/Kotlin. Your approach goes beyond mere coding; you are a craftsman of comprehensive solutions. As a technical bar raiser, you set high standards and lead by example, elevating the capabilities of those around you.
Empathetic and Insightful: Your deep empathy for customer needs drives your development process, allowing you to create intuitive and impactful products. This understanding is not just about meeting requirements, but about enriching user experiences.
Data-Driven and Analytical: You view data as a narrative element of development, a critical tool that informs your decision-making process. Your ability to interpret data enhances product performance and elevates user satisfaction, making you a pivotal member of our team.
Collaborative and Knowledge-Sharing: True collaboration is second nature to you. You thrive in team settings and are committed to sharing knowledge and ideas, which you see as vital to fostering innovation. Your role as a coach involves mentoring peers and promoting a learning culture within the team.
Adaptable and Continuously Learning: In the fast-paced world of fintech, you stand out for your agility and eagerness to adopt new skills and technologies. Challenges are opportunities for growth, and you are always prepared to expand your horizons.
Proactive and Ownership-Driven: You are self-motivated and take initiative, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership in your projects. Your proactive approach ensures that you are always ahead of the curve, ready to take on responsibilities and lead projects to successful outcomes.
Efficient and Prioritization-Savvy: You excel at prioritizing tasks, which enables you to manage your workload effectively while maintaining high standards of quality. This skill ensures that critical project components receive the attention they need without sacrificing overall progress.
Why Join Us
Be Part of Something Big: Join a team that's redefining the future of finance. Contribute directly to the core engine of user growth in a company that is reshaping global financial services.
Grow With Us: At Airwallex, we're committed to your professional development. You'll have opportunities to learn, grow, and shape your career path in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
Collaborate With the Best: Work with a team of talented and passionate individuals who are driven by the desire to create something extraordinary.
Applicant Safety Policy: Fraud and Third-Party Recruiters
To protect you from recruitment scams, please be aware that Airwallex will not ask for bank details, sensitive ID numbers (i.e. passport), or any form of payment during the application or interview process. All official communication will come from an @airwallex.com email address. Please apply only through careers.airwallex.com or our official LinkedIn page.
Airwallex does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms/recruiters. Airwallex will not pay any fees to search firms/recruiters if a candidate is submitted by a search firm/recruiter unless an agreement has been entered into with respect to specific open position(s). Search firms/recruiters submitting resumes to Airwallex on an unsolicited basis shall be deemed to accept this condition, regardless of any other provision to the contrary.
Equal opportunity
Airwallex is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Airwallex is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don’t regard color, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status when making our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Redirects to Airwallex's application page.
Other roles
More at Airwallex.
Senior Software Engineer, Ecosystem
Senior
Senior Data Scientist, Analytics (Lending)
Senior
Senior Software Engineer - Growth
Senior
Engineering Director
Director
Senior Data Scientist, Algorithm (Lending & Onboarding)
Senior