Principal Software Engineer - Mobile

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the engineering excellence of the Xero Accounting App, our flagship mobile experience. You will shape the technical roadmap, bridge product vision with execution, and drive cross‑functional collaboration across native and React Native platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Define reference patterns for hybrid mobile integration and performance, balancing native and React Native technologies.
• Lead systemic operational excellence by establishing SLO frameworks and quality standards.
• Coach lead engineers, recruit top talent, and engage with the broader tech community.
• Define and execute an AI‑led engineering vision to improve development productivity and velocity.
• Collaborate with product and strategy teams to ensure technical decisions align with business goals.

Required profile

• Extensive experience building and leading mobile applications at scale in high‑growth environments.
• Proven ability to scale mobile build and release pipelines and architect cloud‑native backend services (AWS preferred).
• Strong track record of strategic prevention, using metrics to drive security and scalability improvements.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and translating shifting business directions into technical roadmaps.
• Excellent communication skills for aligning stakeholders and presenting technical trade‑offs.

Required skills

• Native mobile development (iOS, Android)
• React Native
• AWS cloud services
• Cloud‑native backend architecture
• Mobile CI/CD and release pipeline management

What we offer

• Hybrid work model based in Melbourne or Sydney.
• Opportunity to influence the technical direction of a global product.
• Collaborative environment with high‑bandwidth office spaces.