Principal Engineer (API Platform)

Stack

Responsibilities

• ▹Evolve the current tech stack: open-source graph technologies powered by gRPC, and backend services in C#, Go, or Java
• ▹Stand up a developer platform providing a seamless path from domain models to running APIs, integrated with CI/CD and production runtimes
• ▹Apply the Supergraph model to consolidate the tech stack and developer experience across core accounting domains
• ▹Lead a legacy burndown, replacing expensive back-channel endpoints with coherent, strongly-typed interfaces and stable contracts

Requirements

• ▹Deep background in backend or platform engineering at scale, ideally in multi-tenant SaaS or distributed systems, with strong proficiency in a modern language such as C#, Go, or Java
• ▹Proven experience designing and evolving external-facing APIs and SDKs, including lifecycle practices (versioning, deprecation, backward compatibility), with genuine interest in developer experience
• ▹Familiarity with event-driven architecture (webhooks, message queues, pub/sub patterns, idempotent consumers) and ability to design for failure and recovery
• ▹Track record leading complex, cross-team technical initiatives: shaping technical strategy, facilitating design reviews and RFCs, aligning multiple stakeholders without losing momentum
• ▹Exposure to LLM- or ML-powered products, agentic architectures, or AI safety and governance concerns, and understanding of how API and event design decisions affect model quality, safety, and reliability
• ▹Genuine approach to mentoring and growing engineering capability in others

Soft skills

What we offer

• ▹Annual bonus and equity (RSU) programs
• ▹Performance-based cash or equity (RSU) incentives depending on role level and company performance
• ▹Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement programs
• ▹Xero Perks: wellbeing days, generous leave, dedicated professional development budgets

About the company

Xero's Product Platform team is responsible for the core capabilities other Xero teams build on: the APIs, SDKs, and platform services that connect Xero's accounting engine to the world.