Principal Software Engineer - Mobile

Xero5 days ago

Location

AU: Melbourne: (260 Burwood Rd)

Type

Full Time

Salary

AUD 250,000 – 350,000

Level

Principal

Role

Principal Software Engineer

Posted

Mar 13, 2026

Full TimePrincipal

The role

Summary

Xero is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead mobile engineering excellence for their flagship Xero Accounting App. The ideal candidate will drive technical strategy, bridge product vision with execution, and transform engineering capabilities through strategic leadership and innovative approaches to mobile development and AI-enhanced engineering processes.

What you'll do

Mobile Architecture Strategy: Define reference patterns for hybrid mobile technologies, integrating native and React Native approaches

Technical Leadership: Coach lead engineers, drive technical excellence, and recruit top engineering talent

Operational Excellence: Establish frameworks for Service Level Objectives (SLOs) and comprehensive quality standards

AI-Driven Engineering: Develop and execute a vision for transforming software design, development, testing, and maintenance processes

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Bridge product strategy and technical execution, ensuring alignment across engineering teams

What we look for

Technical

Mobile TechnologiesAdvanced expertise in mobile application development across native and cross-platform frameworks

Cloud ServicesProficiency in AWS cloud services and cloud-native architecture

Performance EngineeringDeep understanding of mobile performance optimization and scalability

Education

Computer ScienceBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field

Experience

Leadership ExperienceProven track record of leading engineering teams in high-growth technology environments

Architecture DesignExtensive experience in designing complex, scalable mobile application architectures

Skills

Required skills

Mobile Application DevelopmentExtensive experience building and leading mobile applications in high-growth environments

Cloud ArchitectureExpertise in cloud-native backend services and API design, preferably with AWS

Cross-Platform DevelopmentDeep exposure to both native and cross-platform (React Native) mobile application development

Technical LeadershipAbility to define technical roadmaps and drive cross-functional engineering strategy

Performance OptimizationExperience in scaling mobile build and release pipelines

Nice to have

AI in EngineeringUnderstanding of AI-driven engineering transformation and productivity enhancement

Strategic PlanningDemonstrated ability to translate business objectives into technical roadmaps

Systems ThinkingCapability to identify and implement systemic improvements in engineering processes

Compensation & benefits

Salary

AUD 250,000 – 350,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Hybrid Work

Flexible work arrangement between Melbourne/Sydney offices and remote work

Professional Development

Opportunities for continuous learning and technical community engagement

Innovative Environment

Work at a global cloud-based accounting platform with cutting-edge technology challenges

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Resume and background review with recruiting team
2
Technical Phone Screen — Initial discussion of technical background and mobile engineering expertise
3
Technical Leadership Interview — In-depth discussion of architecture strategy and engineering leadership approach
4
System Design Challenge — Technical assessment focusing on mobile architecture and scalability solutions
5
Final Executive Interview — Meeting with senior technical leadership to assess strategic alignment