# Engineer **Company:** [Xero](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/xero) Join Xero's Accounting Core team as a Backend Engineer focused on architecting modern microservices that power global accounting infrastructure. This role involves transitioning from monolithic systems to cloud-native solutions using C# and AWS, resolving complex database scalability challenges, and collaborating across Wellington and Vancouver to accelerate product velocity. You'll work on systems that directly impact small business accounting workflows while mentoring teammates and driving technical excellence through test-driven development and DevOps best practices. **Role:** Backend Engineer **Seniority:** Mid **Locations:** CAN: Vancouver (333 Seymour St) **Salary:** 131800–150000 CAD [Apply](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/xero/300d16ab-a5dd-4e67-bbe4-e118dd891c13) Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/jobs/xero/engineer-300d16ab --- ## Responsibilities - Architect and Deliver Scalable Microservices: Design and implement high-quality backend services using C# and .NET Core that transition Xero from monolithic architecture to modern cloud-native microservices, ensuring systems are robust, maintainable, and aligned with business goals - Resolve Complex Architectural Challenges: Identify and solve ambiguous problems independently involving database scalability, legacy system modernization, service interface design, and API optimization to remove delivery bottlenecks and improve platform efficiency - Build and Operate AWS Cloud Infrastructure: Deploy, monitor, and maintain services in production cloud environments on AWS, implementing modern DevOps practices, automated testing, and continuous integration pipelines to ensure reliability and performance - Apply Distributed Systems Principles: Implement service-to-service communication patterns, ensure eventual consistency, apply resilience patterns, and design systems that communicate effectively across team boundaries globally - Drive Test-Driven Development and Code Quality: Establish and maintain trunk-based development practices, comprehensive automated testing strategies, and code quality standards that ensure high reliability and reduce technical debt in production systems - Mentor and Collaborate Across Teams: Foster an inclusive team culture by mentoring other engineers, sharing constructive feedback with empathy, and collaborating across Wellington and Vancouver offices to drive technical excellence and accelerate product velocity - Manage Stakeholder Communication: Provide clear, thoughtful communication to technical product partners and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment on priorities, progress, and technical decisions that impact broader platform initiatives - Participate in Continuous Improvement: Actively contribute to planning, delivery processes, and retrospectives, advocating for technical improvements and automation opportunities that enhance team efficiency and engineering practices ## Requirements ### education - {"name":"Computer Science or Related Field","description":"Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating core computer science fundamentals"} ### technical - {"name":"Backend Development Experience","description":"Proficient hands-on experience with modern backend development using C#, .NET, Java, Go, or similar languages, with ability to design and implement production-grade services"} - {"name":"Distributed Systems Knowledge","description":"Solid understanding of service-to-service communication patterns, eventual consistency models, and resilience patterns essential for microservices architecture"} - {"name":"Relational Database Expertise","description":"Practical experience working with relational databases, understanding transactional data integrity, ACID principles, and optimization strategies for accounting-grade consistency requirements"} - {"name":"DevOps and Automation","description":"Familiarity with modern DevOps practices, automated testing frameworks, continuous integration pipelines, and infrastructure-as-code approaches for cloud deployments"} - {"name":"Cloud Platform Experience","description":"Working knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, including container orchestration, service deployment, and production monitoring practices"} ### experience - {"name":"Professional Backend Development","description":"Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience building production backend systems, microservices, or large-scale distributed applications"} - {"name":"Cloud-Native Development","description":"Experience deploying and maintaining applications in cloud environments, preferably AWS, with understanding of cloud-native architectural patterns"} - {"name":"Team Collaboration","description":"Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative team environments, communicate technical concepts clearly, and mentor or support other engineers"} ## Skills ### required - {"name":"C# and .NET Core","description":"Strong proficiency in C# and .NET Core for backend service development, API design, and cloud-native application architecture"} - {"name":"SQL and Relational Databases","description":"Advanced SQL skills and database design knowledge, including performance optimization, indexing strategies, and ACID transaction management"} - {"name":"Microservices Architecture","description":"Ability to design, implement, and maintain microservices with clear boundaries, effective communication patterns, and independent deployability"} - {"name":"AWS Cloud Services","description":"Working knowledge of AWS services including EC2, RDS, Lambda, CloudWatch, and container services for production deployments"} - {"name":"Automated Testing","description":"Expertise in unit testing, integration testing, and test-driven development (TDD) practices using frameworks like NUnit or xUnit"} - {"name":"CI/CD Pipelines","description":"Experience building and maintaining continuous integration and deployment pipelines using tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or AWS CodePipeline"} - {"name":"Distributed Systems Principles","description":"Deep understanding of CAP theorem, eventual consistency, idempotency, service mesh patterns, and failure resilience strategies"} - {"name":"Git and Version Control","description":"Proficiency with Git, trunk-based development practices, and collaborative code review processes in distributed team environments"} ### preferred - {"name":"Java or Go Experience","description":"Additional experience with Java or Go would strengthen ability to work across diverse backend technology stacks"} - {"name":"Kubernetes Orchestration","description":"Experience with Kubernetes for container orchestration, service discovery, and scaling microservices in production environments"} - {"name":"Event-Driven Architecture","description":"Familiarity with event sourcing, CQRS patterns, message queues, and asynchronous communication models for distributed systems"} - {"name":"API Design and REST Principles","description":"Strong background in designing RESTful APIs with proper versioning, error handling, rate limiting, and developer experience considerations"} - {"name":"Database Migration and Modernization","description":"Experience modernizing legacy database systems, schema migrations, and transitioning applications to new data architectures"} - {"name":"Monitoring and Observability","description":"Proficiency with application performance monitoring (APM) tools, logging aggregation, distributed tracing, and metrics collection"} - {"name":"AI and Developer Productivity Tools","description":"Comfort using modern AI tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and other productivity enhancers to streamline development workflows"} - {"name":"Accounting Domain Knowledge","description":"Familiarity with accounting concepts, invoicing workflows, transactional accounting, or financial data models would be advantageous"} ## Tech stack ### tools - {"name":"AWS","description":"Cloud platform for building, deploying, and operating production microservices with scalability and reliability"} - {"name":"CI/CD Pipelines","description":"Continuous integration and continuous deployment automation for trunk-based development and rapid iteration"} - {"name":"Docker","description":"Containerization technology for packaging and deploying microservices consistently across cloud environments"} - {"name":"Kubernetes","description":"Orchestration platform for managing containerized microservices at scale in production cloud environments"} ### others - {"name":"Distributed Systems Concepts","description":"Service-to-service communication patterns, eventual consistency models, and resilience strategies for scalable architecture"} - {"name":"DevOps Practices","description":"Infrastructure automation, monitoring, and operational excellence for cloud-native service deployment and maintenance"} - {"name":"Test-Driven Development","description":"Development methodology emphasizing automated testing, unit tests, and integration testing for code quality"} - {"name":"AI/ML Tools","description":"Modern artificial intelligence tools for enhancing personal productivity and streamlining engineering workflows"} ### databases - {"name":"Relational Databases","description":"SQL-based systems critical for transactional data integrity, ACID compliance, and accounting data consistency"} - {"name":"SQL Server","description":"Enterprise relational database platform commonly used with .NET environments for data persistence"} ### languages - {"name":"C#","description":"Primary backend language for building and maintaining microservices and cloud-native applications within the AWS ecosystem"} - {"name":".NET Core","description":"Modern runtime framework for cross-platform backend development, used for service development and API construction"} - {"name":"Java","description":"Alternative backend language option for distributed systems development and microservices architecture"} - {"name":"Go","description":"Alternative backend language for building scalable services with emphasis on concurrency and operational efficiency"} ### frameworks - {"name":"ASP.NET Core","description":"Web framework for building RESTful APIs and microservices with C# and .NET Core"} - {"name":"Microservices Architecture","description":"Design pattern for transitioning from monolithic systems to independently deployable, scalable services"} ## Benefits ### benefits - {"name":"Competitive Health and Wellness Programs","description":"World-class health, dental, vision, and mental wellness benefits covering employees and dependents with comprehensive coverage options"} - {"name":"Retirement and Financial Planning","description":"Employer-sponsored retirement plans, pension contributions, and financial planning resources to support long-term financial security"} - {"name":"Generous Leave and Time Off","description":"Flexible paid time off, wellness days for mental health, sick leave, parental leave, and sabbatical opportunities to support work-life balance"} - {"name":"Professional Development Budget","description":"Dedicated annual budget for courses, certifications, conferences, and training to support continuous learning and career advancement"} - {"name":"Equity and Variable Compensation","description":"Eligible for annual bonus programs and Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) equity awards based on company performance and role level"} - {"name":"Xero Perks Program","description":"Exclusive employee benefits including discounts on products and services, wellness initiatives, and lifestyle perks through the Xero Perks platform"} - {"name":"Flexible Work Arrangements","description":"Hybrid work model with one to two days per week in the Vancouver office and flexibility to work remotely, supporting work-life integration"} - {"name":"Onboarding and Relocation Support","description":"Comprehensive onboarding including travel to New Zealand office for team immersion, supporting new team member integration"} - {"name":"Global Team Culture","description":"Opportunity to work with collaborative, diverse teams spanning Vancouver and Wellington, participating in an inclusive, supportive engineering culture"} ## Compensation - **max:** 150000 - **min:** 131800 - **currency:** CAD - **stockOptions:** true ## Interview process ### steps - {"name":"Initial Application and AI Screening","description":"Submit your application through the Ashby portal. Xero uses AI tools to screen applications based on job-related qualifications, assisting recruiters in identifying strong technical matches. Note that AI assists but does not make final hiring decisions."} - {"name":"Recruiter Phone Screening","description":"A human recruiter reviews your application and conducts an initial conversation to discuss your background, experience with backend development, cloud platforms, and motivations for joining Xero's Accounting Core team"} - {"name":"Technical Screening Interview","description":"In-depth technical conversation with a senior engineer covering distributed systems concepts, database design, microservices architecture patterns, and your approach to solving scalability challenges in production environments"} - {"name":"System Design Interview","description":"Collaborative session designing a scalable backend system, discussing trade-offs between different architectural approaches, service boundaries, data consistency models, and operational considerations"} - {"name":"Code Review and Problem-Solving","description":"Technical exercise involving code review, debugging, or implementing a backend component using C# or similar language, demonstrating test-driven development practices and code quality standards"} - {"name":"Team and Culture Alignment Interview","description":"Conversation with team members from Accounting Core and Product Platforms to discuss collaboration style, communication approach, mentoring philosophy, and cultural fit within Xero's inclusive engineering community"} - {"name":"Final Hiring Manager Interview","description":"Discussion with the hiring manager covering role expectations, career development opportunities, team structure, and next steps in the hiring process"} ## Full description **The role / impact** You will deliver high-quality, impactful software that aligns with team and business goals, always keeping customer needs and outcomes front of mind. By identifying and solving complex, ambiguous problems independently, you will produce robust, high-quality, and scalable software that helps change the world by supporting small businesses. Your daily work will focus on systems, scalability, and engineering quality while collaborating across teams to drive technical excellence and developer efficiency. Through clear and thoughtful communication, you will ensure stakeholders are well-informed and aligned. You will play a key part in fostering an inclusive team culture by mentoring others and sharing feedback with empathy. Your active participation in planning, delivery, and continuous improvement will contribute directly to the success of the broader Xero community. **The team / how they connect** You will join the **Accounting Core** team within **Product Platforms**, which forms the critical foundation underneath core product areas like invoices, bills, payments, and payroll. The team exists to make it easy for other groups across Xero to build on a strong foundation of accounting concepts, data, and libraries safely and efficiently. Operating across Wellington and Vancouver, we collaborate closely to reduce tight coupling, establish clear service boundaries, and accelerate product velocity global-wide. **The team is currently working on / Initially, you will focus on** * Transitioning from a monolithic architecture to modern microservices to remove delivery bottlenecks and improve efficiency. * Building and operating services in a production cloud environment utilizing C#, .NET Core, and AWS. * Resolving complex legacy problems, database scalability challenges, and modernizing service interfaces or APIs. * Automating manual processes and applying test-driven and trunk-based development practices. **Where and how you can work** **This role is based at our on-site location in Vancouver.** We operate on a hybrid model where you will spend one to two days a week in the office for collaborative technical discussions and team alignment, with the flexibility to work from home on the other days. You will also have the opportunity to travel to New Zealand for onboarding after your first couple of weeks. **Here are some of the things we are looking for** * You bring proficient backend development experience with one or more programming languages such as C#, .NET, Java, or Go. * A solid understanding of distributed systems concepts, including service-to-service communication, eventual consistency, and resilience patterns belongs in your toolkit. * Your background features practical experience working with relational databases where transactional data integrity and ACID principles are critical. * Having a familiar working knowledge of modern DevOps practices, automated testing, and continuous integration pipelines will help you succeed. * Showing an interest in utilizing modern artificial intelligence tools will enable you to enhance personal productivity and streamline engineering workflows. * You possess strong communication and collaboration skills, with the capacity to manage internal stakeholders like a technical product partner. 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. **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 **131,800 - 150,000 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**](https://careers.xero.com/inside-xero/benefits-wellbeing/) 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.