Director of Engineering, Payments

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.
• Drive the adoption of AI/ML-powered tools and services to improve fraud detection, anomaly monitoring, payment routing, and operational efficiency.
• Leverage AI-enhanced observability, alerting, and incident response systems to ensure high uptime and system resilience.
• Encourage the use of AI-powered development tools (e.g., code generation, test automation, smart monitoring) to improve engineering velocity and quality.
• Promote AI-assisted debugging, log analysis, and code review automation to streamline workflows and reduce time-to-resolution.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product, Design, Legal, and Finance to deliver secure, scalable, and cost-efficient payment solutions.
• Modernize architecture and infrastructure to increase payment success rates, reduce transaction costs, and enhance reliability.
• Explore opportunities for Web3 and finance integration where they deliver meaningful user or business value.
• Build and lead high-performing, inclusive engineering teams across geographies, fostering a strong culture of ownership, collaboration, and growth.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with global financial regulations while enhancing systems with intelligent auditability and automation.

What it takes to catch our eye

• Demonstrated success leading large, distributed engineering teams in scaling and operating mission critical, high throughput payments infrastructure.
• Deep expertise in cloud native architecture, secure transaction systems, and compliance frameworks across multiple global jurisdictions.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence cross functional teams, navigate ambiguity, and align technical direction with business objectives.
• Forward looking mindset with hands on curiosity about emerging technologies like Web3 and AI, focused on their practical, value driven applications in financial systems.
• Strong advocate for inclusive leadership with a track record of developing diverse talent and fostering a culture of ownership, innovation, and continuous learning.

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.