Senior Engineer - Data Reliability

Xero2 months ago

Location

NZ: Wellington: Xero One (19-23 Taranaki St)

Type

Full Time

Salary

NZD 120,000 – 160,000

Level

Senior

Role

Senior Engineer - Data Reliability

Posted

Jan 13, 2026

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

A Senior Data Reliability Engineer role at Xero focusing on strategic database management, cloud migration, and technical consulting across product engineering teams. The ideal candidate will provide expert support in database operations, performance optimization, and architectural design while supporting Xero's cloud-native technology transformation.

What you'll do

Database Infrastructure Management: Ensure stability and high quality of Xero's databases through expert maintenance, optimization, and incident support

Cloud Migration Support: Lead migration efforts from self-hosted EC2s to Amazon RDS SQL Postgres and support product teams transitioning to cloud-native technologies

Technical Consulting: Advise product teams on database design, architecture, and technology choices for new initiatives

Performance Monitoring: Leverage database observability tooling, particularly AWS tools, to improve monitoring and system performance

On-Call Support: Participate in global on-call roster to provide critical database support and reduce ad-hoc intervention needs

What we look for

Technical

Database TechnologiesExtensive experience with PostgreSQL Aurora, DynamoDB, and SQL Server

Cloud PlatformsProficient in AWS cloud services and cloud migration strategies

Programming LanguagesAbility to interpret application code, particularly C#, and understand database layer implications

Education

Computer Science/EngineeringBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent professional experience

Experience

Database MigrationProven track record of successfully migrating services between platforms and technologies

Technical LeadershipDemonstrated ability to coach and provide strategic technical guidance to engineering teams

Skills

Required skills

Postgres AuroraDeep technical expertise in Postgres Aurora database management

Cloud MigrationHands-on experience in migrating services to modern, managed cloud solutions

GitProficiency in source code management and interrogation

JiraExperience with ticket management and tracking systems

Nice to have

PowerShellExperience with PowerShell scripting and automation

AWS Observability ToolsFamiliarity with AWS monitoring and performance tools

Compensation & benefits

Salary

NZD 120,000 – 160,000 (annual)

Benefits

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Flexible work model combining remote and on-site work

Global Team Exposure

Opportunity to work with an international engineering team

Cloud Technology Experience

Hands-on experience with cutting-edge cloud migration and infrastructure projects

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Resume and background review by Xero recruitment team
2
Technical Phone Screen — Discussion of technical background, database expertise, and cloud migration experience
3
Technical Interview — In-depth technical assessment focusing on database design, performance optimization, and cloud technologies
4
Team Interview — Meeting with CASH team members to assess cultural fit and collaborative potential
5
Final Interview — Discussion with senior leadership about strategic vision and role expectations