At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop a cutting-edge payroll engine using Python and Node.js.
- Company: Join a tech-first global payroll and payments company with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on payroll systems while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Strong backend skills in Python and Node.js, with experience in data pipelines.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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.
Your Pedigree
- 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.'
The 'Hard' Requirements
- 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).
Staff Engineer — Payroll Engine & Data Systems employer: Ebury
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, where as a Staff Engineer, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of payroll technology. With a vibrant work culture in London, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, continuous learning opportunities, and a commitment to employee growth, all while being part of a team that embraces cutting-edge technologies and fosters a supportive environment for creative problem-solving.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Engineer — Payroll Engine & Data Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend meetups or webinars related to payroll systems and data engineering. This way, we can get insights into the latest trends and maybe even find a hidden job opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in real-time! Consider contributing to open-source projects or building your own side projects that showcase your expertise in Python and Node.js. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by practising coding challenges and system design questions. We recommend using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills, especially around SQL queries and data pipelines.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Engineer — Payroll Engine & Data Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match our job description. Highlight your expertise in Python, Node.js, and PostgreSQL, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or roles that showcase your backend prowess.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the Staff Engineer role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your experience with payroll systems and data pipelines.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex data challenges in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and design elegant solutions, especially when it comes to bitemporal data strategies.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ebury
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Python, Node.js, and PostgreSQL. Brush up on bitemporal data strategies and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to payroll calculations or data ingestion challenges. Think through your approach to designing a DAG-based resolver or handling messy data, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
✨Demonstrate Integration Expertise
Since integrations are key, come prepared with examples of how you've mapped conflicting data models or built API-first connectors. Highlight any experience with HRIS systems like Workday or BambooHR to show you understand the ecosystem.
✨Communicate Your Architectural Vision
Be ready to discuss how you balance immediate product needs with long-term data integrity. Share your thoughts on maintaining a pure data model while meeting tight deadlines, as this will showcase your architectural leadership skills.
