At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of a global payroll data ecosystem.
- Company: Join a tech-first company revolutionising global payroll and payments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on payroll systems with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Python, Node.js/TypeScript, and PostgreSQL required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Requirements
- The Full-Stack Backend Mindset: You are equally comfortable optimizing a recursive SQL query as you are designing a resilient webhook listener or a topological sort algorithm.
- Data Pipeline Veteran: You have experience with ETL/ELT patterns, data validation frameworks, and ensuring Exactly-Once processing in financial systems.
- Domain Expertise: You’ve built at Deel, Rippling, Papaya Global or similar Tech-first Global Payroll and Payments company, and you understand that "Integrations" aren't just about APIs—they’re about mapping conflicting data models across cultures.
- Architectural Leadership: You can bridge the gap between "Product needs this integration tomorrow" and "Our data model needs to remain pure for the next 5 years."
- Deep Polyglot Backend Skills: Expertise in Python (for the engine) and Node.js/TypeScript (for the integration layers).
- PostgreSQL Mastery: You understand bitemporality, window functions, and how to manage schema evolution in a multi-tenant SaaS environment.
Location: London (Preferred), Madrid, or Malaga (4 days/week in-office)
What the job involves
We are building more than a calculation engine; we are building an integrated global financial ecosystem. As a Principal Engineer, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of payroll data—from the moment an employee is onboarded in a third-party HRIS, through our deterministic bitemporal calculation engine, to the final generation of global payment files and statutory reporting. You are an architect who writes code, a data engineer who understands state, and an integration expert who knows that a payroll system is only as good as the data flowing into it.
The Stack:
- Core Engine & Data: Python (NetworkX, Pydantic, Decimal), PostgreSQL (Bitemporal modeling, dbt for analytics)
- Integrations & Pipelines: Node.js/TypeScript, Event-sourced architecture (Message Queues, Webhooks)
- The Ecosystem: Deep integrations with HRIS/HCMs (Workday, HiBob, BambooHR) and Ebury’s Payments architecture
- AI-Augmentation: Claude Code for development and AI-driven data extraction
What You’ll Own (The End-to-End Scope):
- The Calculation Engine: Design the DAG-based resolver and bitemporal logic to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional payroll math with 100% accuracy.
- Data Ingestion & Transformation: Architect the pipelines that ingest messy, unstructured data from fragmented HRIS sources and transform it into our deterministic PayrollRuleSchema.
- Third-Party Integrations: Build robust, API-first connectors and "Outbox" pattern event systems to sync data across the global HR/Fintech stack.
- The Payment & Reporting Rail: Own the generation of complex output artifacts—from ISO 20022 payment files to localized tax filings and GL (General Ledger) reports.
- Bitemporal Data Strategy: Ensure the entire data lake supports "As-Of" reporting, allowing users to reconstruct the state of any payroll run at any point in history.
Principal Engineer (Payroll Engine & Data Systems) in London employer: Deepstreamtech
As a Principal Engineer at our innovative tech-first global payroll and payments company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and creativity. Located in vibrant London, Madrid, or Malaga, we offer a flexible 4-day in-office schedule, competitive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer (Payroll Engine & Data Systems) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at a company you admire. You never know when a casual chat could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your projects, especially those related to payroll systems or data engineering. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in Python, Node.js, and PostgreSQL—make it shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with ETL/ELT patterns and how you've tackled complex data challenges in the past. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your architectural leadership and integration expertise—let us know why you're the perfect fit for the Principal Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer (Payroll Engine & Data Systems) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with SQL queries and data pipelines. We want to see how you've tackled complex problems in the past, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our job description. Mention your experience with payroll systems and integrations, especially if you've worked at companies like Deel or Rippling. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Principal Engineer role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deepstreamtech
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python, Node.js, TypeScript, and PostgreSQL. Brush up on bitemporal data models and event-sourced architecture. Being able to discuss your experience with these technologies confidently will show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Architectural Thinking
Prepare to talk about how you've bridged the gap between product needs and maintaining a clean data model. Think of specific examples where you’ve had to balance immediate demands with long-term architectural integrity. This will highlight your strategic mindset.
✨Showcase Your Data Pipeline Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience with ETL/ELT patterns and data validation frameworks. Share examples of how you’ve ensured Exactly-Once processing in financial systems. This will demonstrate your capability in handling complex data scenarios.
✨Understand the Global Payroll Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the challenges of integrating different HRIS systems and the cultural nuances involved. If you’ve worked at companies like Deel or Rippling, share those experiences. This knowledge will set you apart as someone who truly understands the domain.
