Staff Software Engineer
Job description
About the role
You own critical paths inside our fintech platform, shaping backend systems and data flows. Decisions you make will impact millions of transactions while evolving distributed infrastructure. This role suits builders who prefer ownership over routine tasks.
Key facts
What you'll do
Design intake pipelines that reliably capture transaction events before persistence.
Craft backend services in Kotlin, shifting modules toward resilient microservices architecture.
Conduct rigorous code reviews, elevating reliability and clarity for distributed components.
Orchestrate deployment workflows, enabling safe releases that keep uptime intact.
Forge product partnerships, aligning technical solutions with merchant and banking requirements.
Champion observability practices, turning metrics into actionable system improvements.
Refactor data flows, ensuring integrity across settlements, billing, and risk operations.
Guide experimentation initiatives, helping teams test ideas safely at scale.
Requirements
You hold five or more years of backend engineering focused on distributed systems.
You handle Kotlin and Spring ecosystems, writing tests that guard critical flows.
You manage infrastructure through code, comfortable with AWS and Terraform workflows.
You understand how data moves inside financial systems, respecting consistency needs.
You communicate clearly, challenging shortcuts that risk stability or compliance.
Nice to have
Experience in fintech environments where transaction integrity is nonnegotiable.
Skills & tools
Kotlin; Spring; AWS; Terraform; MySQL; Kafka; Docker; Kubernetes; Linux.
Practical notes
Hours may overlap with business hours in New York; some travel may be required; remote work for Mexico-based staff is not available; eligibility for roles may depend on work authorization in Mexico.
Why this role is different
Most Senior roles are just maintenance jobs in disguise. You get handed a ticket, you write the code, you go home.
This isn't that.
You are joining a company where the problems are getting harder, not easier. We are transitioning architectures while processing millions in transactions. This role offers a high degree of autonomy and trust, appealing to those who value independence and the ability to make decisions without constant oversight. You won't just be executing; you'll be building a solid foundation for your career with experiences that will prepare you for future opportunities.
What we offer
Equity: You'll be motivated with performance bonuses/equity that reflect your impact.
Healthcare: 100% medical, dental & vision insurance coverage for you (50% for dependents).
Time Off: Unlimited PTO and extended maternity/paternity leave. Companies that offer flexible hours and generous leave policies attract more of the right people.
Future Security: 401(k) for US employees / PTU for MX employees.
About the company
Nelo is a leading fintech in Mexico reimagining credit to expand consumer buying power. Founded in 2019 by former Uber international growth team leads Kyle Miller and Stephen Hebson, Nelo offers credit cards, BNPL loans, bill payments, and its own marketplace - all under one app - designed from first principles for a mobile-first, real-time payments world.
With $100M in annual revenue, $1B in annualized GMV, and $140M+ raised in equity and debt, Nelo is one of the most capital-efficient consumer fintech companies in Latin America. The company is profitable - positive operating profit in both 2024 and 2025. It runs lean and technical: 60 employees, 8 engineers, with AI driving underwriting, collections, and operations.
Headquarters are in Mexico City, Mexico; commercial and people operations are based in New York City. The team size is 60 FTEs. The company is currently hiring for 10+ open roles. The website is nelo.mx. Nelo operates as a Post-Series A business with a $100M credit facility from Victory Park Capital established in 2022. The business is profitable.
Benefits include 401k, open PTO, medical, dental, vision, STD, and LTD. The company values include being your best selves, ownership for all employees with equity and a 10-year option expiration, customer first principles, open and honest communication with quarterly financials shared company-wide, and a move fast, learn fast culture with hundreds of experiments run monthly.