Senior Engineer – Database

Xero

Senior Database Engineer modernising Xero's database platforms at accounting software company Xero. Optimising SQL Server operations and migrating services to Aurora Postgres RDS.

Posted 9/11/2026full-timeRemote • 🇳🇿 New ZealandSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates deep expertise in SQL Server and Aurora Postgres RDS, with a focus on query analysis, performance tuning, and database migration. Capable of integrating AI tools into workflows and providing strategic guidance on database design and observability.

Highest-signal resume keywords

SQL Server ExpertiseAurora Postgres RDS FamiliarityQuery Performance TuningDatabase Migration ProjectsAI Tool Integration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

SQL ServerSQL Server RDSAurora Postgres RDSQuery AnalysisPerformance TuningDatabase MigrationSchema DesignDatabase ObservabilityRisk IdentificationTechnical Due Diligence

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationCuriosityOpenness to AI ToolsPragmatic ApproachCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

AWS ToolsAI Tooling

Industry Keywords

Database ResilienceDatabase QualityDatabase PerformanceSustainable InfrastructureTechnical Ownership

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSPostgresSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Partner with database engineers and product development teams to ensure the resilience, quality, and performance of Xero's core database platform
Apply technical due diligence and modern AI tooling to optimise day-to-day operations across the SQL Server fleet
Proactively manage database risks, changes, and releases
Plan and execute end-to-end migrations from SQL Server to Aurora Postgres RDS
Integrate AI tools into engineering workflows for query analysis, risk identification, and proactive maintenance
Consult with product development teams on schema design, query tuning, and database observability using AWS tools
Provide strategic guidance on query performance and database design
Support product teams in building sustainable, scalable infrastructure for millions of customers
Collaborate with senior database engineers and internal product squads through daily standups and technical collaboration

Requirements

What you’ll need

Deep expertise in SQL Server and SQL Server RDS, with a strong emphasis on query analysis and performance tuning
Practical experience or familiarity with Aurora Postgres RDS
Desire to contribute to active database migration projects
Pragmatic approach to technical ownership
Capability to identify risks early and implement sustainable solutions
Clear communication skills to translate database complexities for product teams and collaborate across disciplines
Curiosity and openness to leveraging AI tools
Applicants must be based in New Zealand or Australia
Relevant working rights for the country the role is based in
Satisfactory completion of relevant background checks

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working arrangements with no formal day-to-day in-office requirement
Access to local office spaces
In-person team events and connection days throughout the year
Supportive and collaborative team environment
Continuous learning through technical collaboration and shared problem-solving
Background checks conducted by Xero, including potentially credit and criminal history checks