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Director of Engineering, Payments

Remote

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s human and AI-powered work marketplace that connects businesses with highly skilled, AI-enabled independent talent from across the globe. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies rely on Upwork’s trusted platform and its mindful AI companion, Uma, to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With on-demand access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, Upwork enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams for the age of AI and beyond.

Upwork’s platform has facilitated more than $25 billion in economic opportunity for talent around the world. Learn more at Upwork.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

As Director of Engineering for Payments, you'll lead the evolution of Upwork’s financial infrastructure, enabling seamless, reliable, and efficient transactions across a global marketplace. This is a unique opportunity to drive platform-wide impact by delivering exceptional payment experiences that empower freelancers and clients alike. You’ll guide globally distributed engineering teams, shape the future of Upwork’s payment architecture, and champion innovation in compliance, risk management, and emerging technologies, including Web3.

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

What it takes to catch our eye

  • 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

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 21 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.

Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.

We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.

Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page to learn more about opportunities at Upwork.

Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.

The annual base salary range for this position  is displayed below. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position, and individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Additionally, this position is eligible for the annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan and eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program.

Annual Base Compensation

$195,000 - $308,000 USD

To learn more about how Upwork processes and protects your personal information as part of the application process, please review our Global Job Applicant Privacy Notice

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