Lead Engineer, AI Native Product Engineering

The role / impact

This role invites you to step into a foundational engineering space where you will shape the architecture and implementation of distributed systems. You will guide the development of our agentic workflow platform, a critical piece of infrastructure designed to bring durability and intelligent automation to our global software network. By establishing code designs and engineering standards, your work ensures complex financial workflows run reliably without disruption.

Beyond technical delivery, you will champion an AI-forward approach to building software quickly and effectively. You will serve as a technical guide and mentor, supporting engineers as they navigate highly ambiguous challenges and learn to leverage modern architectural tools. Your leadership will directly influence how our global platforms evolve, setting the technical benchmark for engineering teams across the organisation.

The team / how they connect

You will join a highly collaborative and friendly group that operates in small, adaptable pods to solve complex architectural challenges. The team looks after foundational workflow engines and AI initiatives, moving flexibly across projects to support one another rather than working in isolated silos. We value open communication and shared ownership, ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping our engineering culture.

The team is currently working on / Initially, you will focus on

• Our core environment utilises a modern stack featuring .NET, C#, AWS, Kubernetes, and Temporal for workflow durability.

• We are building and scaling the new agentic workflow platform to establish a resilient layer for accounting workflows.

• The team is actively integrating advanced AI tools and large language models to accelerate engineering delivery and design patterns.

Where and how you can work

This position is open to remote applicants based within Washington State. Because this role requires close cross-functional collaboration with our teams in Australia and New Zealand, working within the Pacific time zone helps align our schedules for essential catch-ups. You will also have the flexibility to balance your remote focus with in-person connection during team alignment days and local hub events.

Here are some of the things we are looking for

• You bring deep general product engineering capabilities and a thorough understanding of distributed systems and cloud architecture.

• A strong familiarity with modern tools like AWS or Kubernetes allows you to evaluate and select the best databases and technologies for complex back-end traffic.

• Your collaborative mindset and natural communication skills help you successfully guide cross-functional working groups through highly ambiguous environments.

• An enthusiasm for AI literacy and modern software tools enables you to build quickly and embrace evolving development standards.

• You possess natural mentoring qualities, finding fulfillment in coaching peers to help them build technical confidence and master new skills.

• Flexibility to participate in occasional cross-region coordination with international teams fits well with your personal schedule.

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 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 expected base salary range for this role in:

• Washington: $187,100 - $233,900 USD

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: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, and 21 days PTO, 10 days of Wellbeing leave, 5 days of Xtra Leave, 1 volunteer day, 12 paid holidays, paid parental leave. Further information included on our Xero Perks page.

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.