> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2713164-staff-lead-backend-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2713164-staff-lead-backend-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff / Lead Backend Engineer - **Company:** XERO INC. - **Location:** San Mateo, CA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $206,600.0 - $258,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), NoSQL, SQL Databases, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Working Model 2D, Cloud Platform System, Backend, Production Code, Api Design, Xero (Accounting Software), Golang - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/staff-lead-backend-engineer-payments-platform-xero-com-8742085 ## About the Role * You bring a proven track record of delivering highly available, distributed backend systems and designing high-throughput services under real-world constraints * A deep understanding of system architecture, API design, and both SQL and NoSQL databases is essential * Your background includes proficiency in modern backend stacks such as C#, Java, Golang, or C++, alongside cloud-native platforms like AWS * You are passionate about staying hands-on contributing directly to production code, proof-of-concepts, and technical deep dives. * You possess strong leadership capabilities, with a passion for setting technical direction, mentoring engineers, and fostering an inclusive culture * You demonstrate strong ability in breaking down complex problems into clear, actionable solutions while driving agile execution to deliver results. * You are a strong partner to Product, Design, and other cross-functional teams to translate complex business needs into resilient engineering solutions. * You are a champion of advanced usage in AI tools and practices across the team to accelerate development workflows. 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. ## Description In this role, you will help shape the technical foundation for money movement capabilities while unlocking new product lines globally. You will guide the design and development of reliable, scalable, performant, and secure services for the platform, ensuring operational excellence and direct business outcomes. This is a rare chance to join an early-stage initiative, make foundational architectural decisions, and have a visible impact on the future of small businesses. By contributing directly to production code and proof-of-concepts, you will solve complex financial technology challenges at a massive scale. The team / how they connect The Payments Platform team is the engine powering money movement across the entire ecosystem, collaborating closely with product, security, risk, and operations. We are a highly collaborative collective that values technical excellence, inclusion, and continuous innovation. Together, we work cross-functionally to translate complex business needs into resilient engineering solutions that support millions of subscribers. The team is currently working on / Initially, you will focus on * Designing and building out payment platform capabilities, such as orchestration, risks & fraud, multi-providers, to accelerate various payment products development and improve operational posture * Building out a global bill payment product to streamline how small businesses manage their cash flow * Developing core high-throughput platform services * Integrating and championing artificial intelligence capabilities to accelerate engineering productivity and enhance developer workflows Where and how you can work We support a hybrid working model that blends the flexibility of working from home with the collaboration of being in the office. You will spend time connecting with your team in our modern office spaces on designated boost days, balancing focused independent work with in-person connection. ## Related Videos - [Leveraging Real time data in FSIs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/806-leveraging-real-time-data-in-fsis) - [Go with the Flow: Stop the Leaks Before Your Memory's a Waterfall!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100073-go-with-the-flow-stop-the-leaks-before-your-memory-s-a-waterfall) - [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock) - [Your next 10x engineer isn't in your city. Refactor accordingly.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100103-your-next-10x-engineer-isn-t-in-your-city-refactor-accordingly) - [Meet Your New BFF: Backend to Frontend without the Duct Tape](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/682-meet-your-new-bff-backend-to-frontend-without-the-duct-tape) - [NoSQL Data Modeling for Front-end Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/297-nosql-data-modeling-for-front-end-developers) ## Related Articles - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Find a Developer Job: 12 Best Job Sites For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/165-find-a-developer-job-12-best-job-sites-for-developers) - [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [What’s the Difference Between Frontend and Backend Development?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/240-what-s-the-difference-between-frontend-and-backend-development)