Principal Software Engineer, Architecture

United Kingdom

Apply with AI Apply

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Fintech, Consumer Finance, RetailIndustries

Requirements

Candidates must have 12+ years of software engineering experience, including prior technical leadership roles. Proven success in driving technical architecture for large-scale consumer or fintech systems, ideally in international contexts, is required. Deep experience guiding engineering strategy and delivery in complex, regulated environments is essential. Expertise in the European payments landscape, cross-border trade, KYC/AML compliance, and localization at scale is necessary. The role requires the ability to distill complex technical trade-offs into clear decisions, strong communication skills for engaging engineers and executives, and a track record of mentoring senior engineers and building technical leadership communities. Extensive experience designing and operating highly available, secure, and scalable distributed systems is expected. Fintech or consumer-facing retail systems experience is strongly preferred, and familiarity with international compliance regimes and European regulatory frameworks is a plus. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is required.

Responsibilities

The Principal Software Engineer will own the architecture, technical roadmap, and delivery outcomes for Affirm’s international expansion, focusing on compliance, localization, cross-border trade, and country-specific payments and KYC requirements. This role serves as the accountable technical leader for Affirm’s European expansion, ensuring platform and system reliability, security, and compliance across diverse markets. The engineer will also play a critical role in building Affirm’s technical leadership bench in Europe by mentoring senior ICs and establishing a strong EU-based tech leads group.

Skills

Software Engineering

Technical Leadership

Architecture

Fintech

International Expansion

Compliance

Localization

Cross-border Trade

Payments

KYC/AML

Distributed Systems

High Availability

Security

Scalability

Mentoring

Engineering Strategy

Technical Roadmapping

Affirm

Provides buy now, pay later financing solutions

About Affirm

Affirm offers point-of-sale financing solutions as an alternative to traditional credit cards. It allows consumers to make purchases and pay over time through installment plans, often without hidden fees or deferred interest. Affirm partners with merchants to integrate its payment solutions into online and in-store shopping experiences, using user-friendly plugins and APIs. The company generates revenue from interest and fees on loans to consumers, as well as fees from merchants for offering its financing options. Affirm also provides a merchant dashboard for transaction processing and promotional tools to help businesses market these financing options effectively. The goal of Affirm is to empower consumers with flexible payment options while providing value to merchants in the e-commerce and retail markets.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2012Year Founded

$1,113.8MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Fintech, Financial ServicesIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Spending wallets: Access tech, food, lifestyle, and family planning wallets for your expenses

Supportive communities: Get involved with our employee resource groups and community groups

Remote-first workforce: If your role is remote, you can set up shop anywhere in your home country

Generous time off: Take the time you need when life happens

Health benefits: Get a plan that fits your needs

Mental healthcare: Take care of your mind with great mental health programs

Parental leave: Birth and non-birth parents get 18 weeks paid leave. Plus, a 4-week return-to-work transition program, at full base pay.

Compensation: We have a simple, flexible, and transparent remote-first compensation structure so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

Away days: We offer 24 company-wide paid days off—which help our teams collectively pause to recharge.

Learning & development: Engage in exciting learning programs to level up your growth.

Risks

Increased CFPB regulation could raise compliance costs for Affirm.

Affirm faces competition from new entrants in the BNPL market.

Reliance on partners like Adyen and Apple poses potential revenue risks.

Differentiation

Affirm offers transparent installment loans with no hidden fees or surprises.

Affirm partners with over 2,000 merchants, including major retail brands.

Affirm's user-friendly APIs enable seamless integration with online and in-store platforms.

Upsides

Affirm's partnership with Adyen expands its reach in North America.

Affirm's $4 billion partnership with Sixth Street boosts financial stability.

Affirm's BNPL services gain traction among high-income consumers.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI

Try Jobo Free