SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Xero is seeking a Senior Database Engineer to partner with database engineers and product development teams to ensure resilience, quality, and performance of Xero's core database platform. You will combine technical due diligence with modern AI tooling to optimize day-to-day operations across the SQL Server fleet while proactively managing database risks, changes, and releases.
You will play a central role in modernizing Xero's data architecture as the company migrates services from SQL Server RDS to Aurora Postgres RDS. You will provide strategic guidance on query performance and database design, supporting product teams with deep technical insights to build sustainable, scalable infrastructure for millions of customers.
You will join a collaborative team of senior database engineers spread across Australia and New Zealand. The team works closely with internal product squads, acting as trusted advisers to solve complex database challenges through open communication and shared problem-solving. Through daily standups and regular technical collaboration, team members learn from one another while supporting continuous delivery across database platforms.
Initially, you will focus on: managing and optimizing day-to-day operations across the extensive SQL Server and SQL Server RDS database fleet; planning and executing end-to-end database migrations from SQL Server to Aurora Postgres RDS; integrating AI tools into engineering workflows to increase efficiency in query analysis, risk identification, and proactive maintenance; and partnering with product development teams to consult on schema design, query tuning, and database observability using AWS tools.
This role is open to applicants based in New Zealand or Australia. Flexible working arrangements are offered with no formal day-to-day in-office requirement, though you will have access to local office spaces and will be invited to gather in person for key team events and connection days throughout the year.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Deep expertise in SQL Server and SQL Server RDS, with strong emphasis on query analysis and performance tuning
- Practical experience or familiarity with Aurora Postgres RDS, alongside desire to contribute to active database migration projects
- Pragmatic approach to technical ownership, with capability to identify risks early and implement sustainable solutions
- Clear communication skills to translate database complexities for product teams and collaborate effectively across disciplines
- Curiosity and openness to leveraging AI tools to streamline routine tasks and enhance engineering productivity
