Scale Engineer

Lead/Staff Software Engineer

Staff Engineer · Staff · Full Time

CAN: Vancouver (333 Seymour St)CAD 186k – 236k1w ago
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Role

What you'll do.

Join Xero as a Staff/Lead Software Engineer to architect and build scalable distributed systems serving millions of global users. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with mentorship responsibilities, focusing on modernizing complex systems through refactoring, enhancing developer experience, and implementing high-quality software solutions across a diverse tech stack including C#, .NET, React, AWS, and Kubernetes.

Responsibilities

  • Architect Distributed Systems: Design and implement scalable, distributed system architectures that modernize monolithic components into high-availability environments capable of serving millions of global users. Make major code design decisions that shape the technical direction of the platform.
  • System Refactoring and Modernization: Lead refactoring initiatives to transform complex, legacy systems into maintainable, distributed architectures while ensuring zero downtime and platform reliability throughout the migration process.
  • Technical Mentorship and Leadership: Coach and mentor engineering team members through complex technical challenges, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning. Model best practices in code design, testing, and architectural decision-making.
  • Developer Experience Enhancement: Contribute to the maturation of CI/CD concepts, tooling infrastructure, and test-driven development (TDD) practices. Drive improvements that accelerate development velocity and code quality across the engineering organization.
  • Technical Solution Design: Develop and implement comprehensive technical solution designs that align with long-term engineering frameworks and strategic business objectives. Contribute to establishing global engineering standards and best practices.
  • Code Review and Knowledge Sharing: Actively participate in code reviews and lead technical knowledge-sharing sessions, maintaining high standards for code quality, architectural alignment, and team learning. Foster collaborative problem-solving practices.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Work alongside product owners, designers, and engineers using agile delivery practices to ship meaningful, high-quality code. Participate in collaborative planning and execution of technical initiatives.

Qualifications

What we look for.

Technical

  • Distributed Systems Architecture

    Proven expertise designing and operating large-scale, distributed systems in high-availability environments. Deep understanding of scalability patterns, fault tolerance, and system reliability at enterprise scale.

  • Multi-language Software Development

    Strong background designing and building high-quality software across multiple programming languages and frameworks. Tech-stack agnostic approach with demonstrated ability to ramp quickly on adjacent technologies.

  • Modern Engineering Practices

    Extensive experience with automated testing, test-driven development (TDD), refactoring techniques, and agile delivery methodologies. Demonstrated commitment to software craftsmanship and code quality standards.

  • C# and .NET Ecosystem

    Proficiency with C# and .NET framework for building enterprise-scale applications. Experience with modern .NET practices and architectural patterns.

  • Cloud Infrastructure and Kubernetes

    Hands-on experience with AWS cloud services and Kubernetes container orchestration for deploying and managing distributed applications in production environments.

  • Frontend Technologies

    Working knowledge of React for understanding full-stack system design and collaborating with frontend teams on integrated solutions.

Education

  • Computer Science or Related Field

    Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating deep software engineering fundamentals. Equivalent professional experience with advanced technical credentials is valued.

Experience

  • Large-Scale System Implementation

    Demonstrated experience successfully delivering and operating complex systems at scale. Track record of solving engineering challenges in distributed, high-availability production environments serving significant user bases.

  • Technical Leadership

    Proven ability to lead major code design decisions and contribute to wider technical solutioning. Experience influencing architecture and implementation standards across engineering teams.

  • Mentorship and Coaching

    Experience mentoring and coaching engineers through technical challenges, helping team members grow their skills and capabilities. Demonstrated commitment to knowledge transfer and team development.

  • System Modernization

    Background refactoring and modernizing legacy systems or monolithic architectures. Experience managing technical debt while maintaining system reliability and business continuity.

Skills

Required

  • Distributed Systems Design

    Architecture and design of scalable, fault-tolerant distributed systems with deep understanding of consistency models, consensus algorithms, and system reliability patterns.

  • Software Architecture

    Ability to make major architectural decisions, evaluate tradeoffs, and design systems that balance scalability, maintainability, and performance across large codebases.

  • System Refactoring

    Expertise in decomposing monolithic systems into microservices or distributed architectures while managing migration complexity and maintaining system stability.

  • Code Quality and Testing

    Deep commitment to automated testing, test-driven development, and code quality standards. Ability to design testable systems and implement comprehensive testing strategies.

  • Technical Mentorship

    Proven ability to guide and develop other engineers through complex technical challenges with a coaching and growth-oriented mindset.

  • Agile Engineering Practices

    Experience with agile delivery methodologies, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and iterative development approaches in collaborative team environments.

Preferred

  • C# and .NET

    Nice to have

    Advanced proficiency with C# and the .NET framework for enterprise application development. Familiarity with modern .NET standards and design patterns.

  • AWS Cloud Services

    Nice to have

    Hands-on experience designing, deploying, and managing applications on AWS. Knowledge of core services like EC2, RDS, Lambda, and architectural best practices.

  • Kubernetes and Container Orchestration

    Nice to have

    Production experience with Kubernetes for deploying and managing containerized applications at scale. Understanding of container networking, storage, and service mesh concepts.

  • React Frontend Development

    Nice to have

    Working knowledge of React and modern JavaScript frameworks for understanding full-stack system integration and frontend performance implications.

  • FinTech or Accounting Software Domain

    Nice to have

    Experience in financial software, accounting platforms, or SaaS environments serving global users. Understanding of compliance, data integrity, and business continuity requirements.

  • Open Source Contributions

    Nice to have

    Active participation in open source projects demonstrating commitment to knowledge sharing, collaborative development, and software engineering craftsmanship.

Tech stack

Languages

C#JavaScript/TypeScriptSQL

Frameworks

.NETReactASP.NET

Databases

Relational Databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL)NoSQL Solutions

Tools

AWS (Amazon Web Services)KubernetesDockerCI/CD ToolsGit and Version Control

Other

Microservices ArchitectureAPI Design and RESTful ServicesDistributed System PatternsObservability and Monitoring

Compensation

Pay and benefits.

Base·CAD 186,000 – 236,000

Equity·Stock options

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs

    World-class health coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Wellness initiatives supporting physical and mental health with gym memberships, counseling services, and preventive care programs.

  • Equity and Stock Options

    Participation in Xero's equity program allowing you to share in company growth. Equity grants align your long-term interests with company success and provide wealth-building opportunities.

  • Performance-Based Variable Pay

    Eligible for performance incentives and bonuses based on individual and company achievements. Rewards align compensation with contribution and business results.

  • Retirement and Savings Programs

    Competitive retirement benefits including company-matched RRSP contributions. Financial planning support and retirement readiness resources for long-term financial security.

  • Professional Development

    Investment in continuous learning through training budgets, conference attendance, and skill development programs. Support for technical certifications and advanced education.

  • Flexible Work Arrangements

    Hybrid working model balancing remote flexibility with purposeful in-person collaboration. Autonomy in choosing work location while maintaining team connection and mentorship opportunities.

  • Paid Time Off and Leave

    Generous vacation days, sick leave, and personal time. Parental leave and sabbatical programs supporting work-life balance and long-term career development.

Process

Interview steps.

  1. 01

    Application Screening

    Initial application review using AI-assisted screening tools for job-related qualifications. All candidates progress through human recruiter review before proceeding to interviews, ensuring fair evaluation.

  2. 02

    Recruiter Phone Screen

    Initial conversation with a technical recruiter to understand your background, motivation for the role, and career goals. Opportunity to learn about Xero's culture and the position details.

  3. 03

    Technical Assessment

    Discussion or assessment of your system design experience, architectural thinking, and approach to complex technical problems. May include discussing past projects and design decisions.

  4. 04

    Engineering Manager Interview

    Conversation with the hiring manager focused on technical leadership, mentorship philosophy, and your experience influencing technical direction. Discussion of your approach to building high-quality systems.

  5. 05

    Staff Engineer Round

    Interview with a peer staff engineer to evaluate architectural thinking, approach to large-scale systems, and alignment with technical values. Deep discussion of system design philosophy.

  6. 06

    Leadership and Culture Conversation

    Discussion with senior leadership about your vision for technical excellence, mentorship approach, and how you contribute to engineering culture. Alignment assessment on company values and mission.

  7. 07

    Offer Discussion

    Comprehensive discussion of compensation, benefits, equity, and role expectations. Opportunity to negotiate terms and clarify any questions before joining Xero.

Full posting

Original listing.

Open to candidates from Seattle, San Mateo, Vancouver & Toronto.

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 Staff level engineer, 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

  • Modernizing 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. We embrace a hybrid working model that balances the flexibility of remote work with purposeful in-person collaboration.


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.

 

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 paycheque. 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

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.

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