Lead Engineer
Lead · Full Time
Opens Xero's application page
Role
What you'll do.
Xero is seeking a Lead Engineer in British Columbia to drive architectural improvements and scalable system design. The ideal candidate will transform complex monolithic systems, mentor engineering teams, and contribute to global engineering standards while working in a collaborative, agile environment focused on continuous learning and technical excellence.
Responsibilities
- System Modernization: Refactor monolithic components into distributed, scalable architectures to improve system performance and reliability
- Developer Experience Enhancement: Mature CI/CD concepts, tooling, and Test-Driven Development (TDD) practices to streamline engineering workflows
- Technical Leadership: Make major code design decisions, contribute to global engineering standards, and mentor team members through complex technical challenges
- Solution Architecture: Develop and implement technical solution designs that align with long-term engineering frameworks and strategic goals
Qualifications
What we look for.
Technical
System Architecture
Proven experience delivering and operating complex, large-scale distributed and high-availability systems
Technology Adaptability
Ability to quickly ramp up on adjacent technologies across diverse tech stacks
Software Design
Strong background in designing and building high-quality software across multiple languages and tools
Education
Technical Qualification
Relevant degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent professional experience
Experience
Engineering Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead major code design decisions and contribute to broader technical solutions
Modern Engineering Practices
Extensive experience with automated testing, refactoring, and agile delivery methodologies
Skills
Required
Programming Languages
Proficiency in C#, .NET, and modern web technologies
Cloud Technologies
Strong experience with AWS and Kubernetes
Frontend Technologies
Experience with React and modern JavaScript frameworks
Preferred
Mentorship
Nice to haveProven track record of coaching and developing junior engineers
System Design
Nice to haveAdvanced skills in designing scalable, distributed system architectures
Tech stack
Languages
Frameworks
Tools
Other
Compensation
Pay and benefits.
Base·CAD 186,000 – 236,000
Equity·Stock options
Benefits
Variable Pay
Performance-based commissions and potential equity compensation
Comprehensive Health Benefits
World-class health, wellness, and retirement programs
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement
Hybrid Work Model
Flexible work arrangement with options for remote and in-office collaboration
Process
Interview steps.
- 01
Initial Screening
Preliminary review of resume and qualifications by recruiting team
- 02
Technical Phone Screen
Detailed discussion of technical background, experience, and problem-solving approach
- 03
Technical Interview
In-depth technical assessment including system design and coding challenges
- 04
Leadership and Culture Interview
Evaluation of mentorship capabilities, team collaboration, and alignment with Xero's engineering culture
- 05
Final Executive Interview
Comprehensive discussion with senior engineering leadership
Full posting
Original listing.
The role / impact
You will focus on solving engineering problems at scale, moving beyond feature delivery to influence the architecture and implementation of distributed systems. By refactoring complex, monolithic systems and building high-quality, scalable software, your work ensures our platform remains robust and reliable for millions of global users.
As a senior member of the team, you will have the autonomy to make major code design decisions and contribute to global engineering standards. You will balance technical excellence with mentorship, acting as a role model and coaching others through complex technical challenges to help them grow.
The team / how they connect
You will join a collaborative environment where engineers, product owners, and designers work together using agile and delivery practices to ship meaningful code. The team prioritises continuous learning and mastery, frequently participating in code reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to maintain a high bar for technical craft.
The team is currently working on / Initially, you will focus on
Modernising systems by refactoring monolithic components into distributed, scalable architectures.
Enhancing the developer experience through the maturation of CI/CD concepts, tooling, and TDD practices.
Building and maintaining a diverse tech stack that includes C#, .Net, React, AWS, and Kubernetes.
Developing and implementing technical solution designs that align with long-term engineering frameworks.
Where and how you can work
This role is based in our Vancouver office, where we embrace a hybrid working model. You will have the flexibility to work from home while joining the team in the office for "boost days" to collaborate, socialise, and solve complex problems in person.
Here are some of the things we are looking for
Proven experience delivering and operating complex, large-scale systems (distributed/high-availability environments), with strong fundamentals and the ability to ramp quickly across adjacent technologies (we’re tech-stack agnostic).
You bring a growth mindset and a passion for proactively maintaining and sharing technical knowledge with your peers.
A background in designing and building high-quality software within a range of languages and tools is essential.
You possess the ability to lead major code design decisions and contribute to wider technical solutioning.
Experience with modern engineering practices like automated testing, refactoring, and agile delivery is key to your success.
You enjoy mentoring other engineers and helping them grow their technical skills through supportive coaching.
A deep care for technical excellence and a drive to solve large-scale engineering challenges motivates your daily work.
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. We are also tech stack agnostic, so please apply if you've worked with adjacent technologies.
Compensation Philosophy
At Xero, we value the impact and skills you bring to the team. We don’t just hire for a role; we invest in people. We believe in a Total Package philosophy - which means your value isn't just a single number on a paycheck. While base salary is a core component, we look at your compensation through a holistic lens that includes equity, performance incentives, and world-class benefits.
The base salary range for this role in Canada is $186,000 - $236,000 CAD.
Please note that this range represents base salary only. We believe in rewarding our people for their total contribution, which is why we look at compensation through a holistic lens. In addition to base pay, your total package may include:
Variable Pay: Eligibility commissions or equity based on role and performance.
Comprehensive Benefits: World-class health, wellness, and retirement programs.
Xero Perks: Inside Xero Explore our full suite of benefits, from wellbeing initiatives to professional development.
Individual pay is determined by various factors, including geography, level of experience, and the specific skills you bring to the role
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