Staff AI Engineer
Staff Engineer · Staff · Full Time
Opens Airwallex's application page
Role
What you'll do.
Airwallex is seeking a Staff AI Engineer to pioneer their new Generative AI department, focusing on developing AI agents that transform support and automation solutions. This role involves architecting cutting-edge systems, defining technical vision for next-generation AI solutions, and driving innovation across the $8 billion fintech company's global operations.
Responsibilities
- AI Solution Architecture: Spearhead the creation of AI solutions to enable growth and drive internal efficiency across the business
- System Design & Implementation: Design and implement robust API and system architecture for new AI applications
- Strategic Roadmapping: Assist in AI application roadmapping and strategy development
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with diverse teams to leverage existing AI technologies and research new implementations
- Technical Problem Resolution: Provide prompt and effective solutions for application issues and software bugs while maintaining high client satisfaction
- Innovation Leadership: Embrace challenges in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with focus on innovation and technical excellence
Qualifications
What we look for.
Technical
Backend Development Experience
10+ years in backend software development with passion for AI and language technologies
Programming Languages
Proficiency in Python, TypeScript, or JavaScript
Distributed Systems
Experience in design and development of large-scale distributed, high concurrency, high load, high availability systems
Vector Databases
Hands-on experience with vector databases for AI applications
Impact Delivery
Proven track record of delivering major impact in previous roles
Education
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related technical field
Experience
Senior-Level Experience
10+ years of backend software development experience
AI Technology Experience
Demonstrated experience with AI and language technologies
High-Scale Systems
Experience building and maintaining large-scale distributed systems
Skills
Required
Python Programming
Advanced proficiency in Python for AI and backend development
Distributed Systems
Expertise in large-scale, high-availability system architecture
Vector Databases
Practical experience with vector databases for AI applications
API Design
Strong skills in designing robust APIs and system architecture
Problem-Solving
Ability to provide effective solutions for complex technical challenges
Preferred
TypeScript/JavaScript
Nice to haveProficiency in TypeScript or JavaScript for full-stack capabilities
AI/ML Frameworks
Nice to haveExperience with LangChain, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar AI frameworks
Cloud Platforms
Nice to haveExperience with AWS, GCP, or Azure for AI model deployment
Fintech Domain
Nice to haveUnderstanding of financial services and payment systems
Leadership Experience
Nice to haveExperience leading technical initiatives and mentoring junior engineers
Tech stack
Languages
Frameworks
Databases
Tools
Other
Compensation
Pay and benefits.
Base·SGD 180,000 – 280,000
Equity·Stock options
Benefits
Equity Participation
Stock options in a $8 billion valued company backed by leading investors
Global Impact
Work on products serving 200,000+ businesses worldwide including major brands
Career Growth
Accelerated learning opportunities in a fast-growing fintech unicorn
Innovation Environment
Pioneer new AI department with cutting-edge technology and significant autonomy
Global Team
Collaborate with 2,000+ innovative team members across 26 offices worldwide
Process
Interview steps.
- 01
Initial Screening
30-minute phone/video call with recruiter to discuss background and role fit
- 02
Technical Assessment
Take-home coding challenge focusing on AI/ML problem-solving and system design
- 03
Technical Deep Dive
60-minute technical interview covering distributed systems, AI architecture, and code review
- 04
System Design Round
45-minute system design interview focusing on large-scale AI system architecture
- 05
Cultural Fit Interview
30-minute conversation with team members about collaboration and company values
- 06
Final Round
Meeting with hiring manager and senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and impact
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.
Role and Project Scope:
As the pioneers in our new Generative AI department, you will spearhead the development of AI agents. These AI agents will transform the way we provide support and automation solutions for both our internal teams and external customers. You’ll have the unique opportunity to shape the architecture and API design of cutting-edge systems in support of our customers, automation, search, and data analysis. Your role is crucial in driving innovation and setting the standard for future developments in this exciting new field.
What You’ll Do:
As the staff engineer in our new Generative AI department, you will define the technical and strategic vision for next-generation AI solutions. By harnessing cutting-edge language models, you will drive internal efficiency and transform user experience for our customers. Your work will set the standard for AI engineering excellence, paving the way for the next wave of intelligent products and services.
Spearhead the creation of AI solutions to enable growth and drive internal efficiency across the business
Design and implement robust API and system architecture for new AI applications.
Assist in AI application roadmapping and strategy.
Collaborate effectively with a diverse, cross-functional team to leverage existing AI technologies, and research and implement new ones, to meet product goals.
Providing prompt and effective solutions or workarounds in response to application issues or software bugs, maintaining high client satisfaction.
Embrace the challenges of a fast-paced, high-growth environment with a focus on innovation.
What You Need to Have:
10+ years in backend software development, with a passion for AI and language technologies
Proven track record of delivering major impact
Proficiency in Python, Typescript or Javascript
Experience in design and development of large-scale distributed, high concurrency, high load, high availability systems;
Experience in vector databases
A relevant degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or related fields
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.
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