Director of Engineering, Payments

Summary

Join Upwork as the Director of Engineering for Payments and lead the evolution of its financial infrastructure, ensuring seamless and efficient global transactions. You will guide globally distributed engineering teams, shape the future of Upwork's payment architecture, and champion innovation in compliance and emerging technologies like Web3. This role requires proven experience leading distributed engineering teams and scaling high-volume, real-time payment platforms, a strong background in cloud-native architecture, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and influence stakeholders. You will define and lead the technical strategy for Upwork’s Payments platform, partnering with cross-functional leaders to deliver secure and scalable solutions. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to shape the future of work.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading distributed engineering teams and scaling high-volume, real-time payments platforms
• Strong background in cloud-native architecture, secure financial systems, and regulatory compliance across international markets
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and influence stakeholders across engineering, product, and executive leadership
• Curiosity and drive to explore emerging technologies like Web3 with a focus on practical applications
• Commitment to building inclusive teams and mentoring others to grow into technical and strategic leadership roles

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the technical strategy for Upwork’s Payments platform, aligning it with product vision, compliance, and user experience goals
• Partner with cross-functional leaders in Product, Design, Legal, and Finance to deliver secure, scalable, and cost-efficient payment solutions
• Oversee architecture modernization efforts to increase payment success rates, reduce transaction costs, and enhance system reliability
• Drive the exploration and adoption of Web3 and decentralized finance solutions where they create real value for our users
• Build and develop high-performing, inclusive engineering teams across geographies, instilling a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous learning
• Champion data-driven decision-making and experimentation to optimize user journeys and support business outcomes
• Ensure the Payments domain remains resilient, auditable, and compliant with global regulations and evolving financial standards

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family
• Unlimited PTO
• A 401(k) plan with matching
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• An Employee Stock Purchase Plan