Intern - Data Engineer (Feb 2025)

Our team

The Data team at Xero plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of collaborative, data-driven decision-making, impacting not only our internal teams but also our diverse, global community of small business owners, bookkeepers, and accountants. Our work involves crafting, overseeing, and delivering a broad spectrum of data services. These range from essential reporting and key data sets to advanced, scalable solutions in analytical data processing, storage, machine learning, and API-driven predictive services.

We pride ourselves on being a hub of knowledge and innovation in data architecture, data modelling, machine learning, ethical data usage, and artificial intelligence service design. Our mission extends beyond technical expertise; we are dedicated to elevating data and AI understanding across Xero, emphasising inclusivity and accessibility in technology. We particularly focus on empowering our product management and engineering teams worldwide, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact in their roles.

How you'll make an impact

As a Data Engineering Intern,  you will work with the support of a buddy, to be at the forefront of engineering sophisticated and large-scale data solutions and infrastructure, enabling us to analyse data effectively and make informed decisions. In this role, you will be more than just an individual technical contributor; you'll be a valued member of our collaborative engineering team. You will work with the team in developing new data capabilities and services, and in enhancing our existing solutions and practices. We believe in a work culture where your ideas and contributions are valued and where you're encouraged to grow, both as a professional and as an individual. You'll be part of a team that not only values high performance but also supports each other's success and champions an inclusive and diverse workplace.

What you'll do:

• Work with teams throughout Xero to help create the solutions, infrastructure, and integrations required to bring Xero’s data to life.
• Demonstrates a focus on continual self-improvement, across both the technical and business aspects of delivering high-quality data solutions.
• Work collaboratively with your buddy and other members of the Data team.  Participate in regular team rituals and working sessions to collectively do our best work.
• Be dedicated to automation, documentation, and collaboration at all stages of the engineering workflow, including improving existing solutions or proposing alternative solutions where applicable.
• Be exposed to the latest technology changes and trends and continually grow knowledge of how they may benefit Xero.
• Contribute to continuous improvements to data quality, standards, principles and procedures, including a consistent approach to how data quality is measured, monitored and reported.

What you'll bring:

• Penultimate year of study, available to work full time for 12 months
• Currently studying for a degree in engineering, data science, and computer science.
• A technical background demonstrating innovation, initiative and a passion for data
• Can demonstrate analytical, development, problem-solving solving and communication skills
• Good time management with the ability  to multitask, prioritise and deliver to  schedule
• Highly motivated and proactive nature, constantly looking at methods for improvement
• Solution-focused and a strong attention to detail
• Some familiarity with data engineering and data analysis
• Experience in one or more software engineering programming languages such as Python or Golang
• Clear and concise oral & written communication including technical documentation
• Some familiarity with cloud-based technologies, infrastructure and databases
• Awareness of data requirements for ML /  AI use cases beneficial

Why Xero?

At Xero, we pride ourselves on our award-winning junior talent programs. In 2021 alone, we won the NZAGE Best Graduate Development program and were ranked as the top Graduate Employer by Grad New Zealand.

Our junior talent programs are focused on learning and well-being. Xero supports many types of flexible working arrangements that allow you to balance your work, your life and your passions. Our work environment encourages continuous improvement and career development and you’ll get to work with the latest technology too. As part of our junior talent program, you’ll have access to a people lead, buddy and team lead to support you in your wellbeing and professional development.

Our collaborative and inclusive culture is one we’re immensely proud of. We know that a diverse workforce is a strength that enables businesses, including ours, to better understand and serve customers, attract top talent and innovate successfully. So, from the moment you step through our doors, you’ll feel welcome and supported to do the best work of your life. At Xero, we embrace diversity and inclusion and value a #challenge mindset. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application and throughout the interview process.