Principal Engineer (API Platform)
Core
Define and drive the long-term technical vision for Xero's external API platform, serving millions of small businesses and enabling AI/agent-driven automation in accounting workflows.
Role type
Principal Engineer (API Platform)
Builds
External-facing APIs, SDKs, and platform services that connect Xero's accounting engine to the world and support agentic architectures.
Domain
Fintech / Accounting / Distributed Systems
Deliverable
production ML models | product features
Required skills
Backend/platform engineering at scale, modern language proficiency (C#, Go, Java), external API/SDK design, event-driven architecture, cross-team technical leadership, AI/LLM safety and governance, mentoring
Preferred skills
Multi-tenant SaaS experience, Supergraph model familiarity, legacy system modernization
Technologies
gRPC, C#, Go, Java, Supergraph
Responsibilities
Define technical vision for API platform, design for AI/agent integration, lead cross-team initiatives, mentor engineering teams, consolidate technical stack
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with strategic leadership
