Senior Software Engineer - AI Enablement HR

About Kraken and Payward

Payward, the parent company of Kraken and several other financial platforms, has been advancing a state-of-the-art, globally accessible financial infrastructure for over 15 years, aiming to foster an open global financial ecosystem. Founded in 2011, Kraken is a leading cryptocurrency exchange relied on by more than 10 million users worldwide, offering spot trading, margin, futures, staking, and OTC services for individuals and institutions alike.

Team and Mission

The People team builds the critical systems that enable employees' lifecycle processes, including hiring, onboarding, learning, and rewards. This role focuses on redesigning these workflows using AI, turning manual and fragmented HR procedures into reliable, scalable, and AI-driven production systems that operate with autonomy and integrate seamlessly with essential tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement AI-driven HR tools and agentic workflows using technologies such as n8n, Claude API, Python, and MCP, with built-in approval and oversight mechanisms.
• Develop complex multi-agent systems capable of executing multi-step reasoning and connecting disparate HR platforms (HRIS, ATS, payroll, ticketing) into comprehensive end-to-end workflows.
• Integrate features like error handling, audit logs, payroll schedule awareness, and human-in-the-loop checkpoints into production-ready systems.
• Ensure all automation complies fully with employee data privacy standards, PII regulations, and cross-border legal requirements.
• Lead governance and risk management for AI tools in People operations, including risk classification, documentation, access control management, audit logging, and stopping or redeveloping unsafe automation solutions.
• Represent the HRKX domain within governance efforts and collaborate on cross-team build standards.
• Create documentation, workflow templates, and operational guides to empower HR teams to manage AI tools independently.
• Conduct training for People team members on AI-augmented workflows, driving user adoption and continuous improvement.
• Analyze and report on automation outcomes such as reductions in manual labor, error rates, and payroll exceptions, enhancing the strategic focus of HR professionals.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years in software engineering with at least 2 years devoted to building and deploying AI/ML-based applications or agentic systems in live production environments.
• 2-3 years working with HR, People Operations, or related people technology domains, possessing a clear understanding of HR workflows, data sensitivity, and organizational dynamics.
• Expertise in AI and workflow automation tools with proven success delivering AI solutions integrated within HR processes.
• Practical experience implementing AI-powered production workflows used by end users rather than prototypes.
• In-depth familiarity with Workday, particularly around job changes, worker conversion, integration design, EIB uploads, and payroll interfacing.
• Strong systems thinking with the ability to independently navigate full project cycles from conception through optimization.
• Proficiency in relevant AI tooling such as n8n, Python, and Claude API (Anthropic SDK), and experience connecting HR systems through APIs.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to translate ambiguous HR questions into automated, actionable solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of data classification, PII protection, and international HR compliance standards.

Desirable Skills and Background

• Experience with Workday Prism, Qualtrics, or similar BI and HR analytics platforms.
• Experience applying AI for text and survey data analysis or workflow automation within HRIS and people analytics contexts.
• Familiarity with Ashby ATS, including API integration and pipeline automation.
• Advanced skills in spreadsheet automation and data analytics using Google Apps Script, Excel, or Google Sheets.
• Programming capabilities in Python or R for people data modeling and automation.
• Background in HR technology administration covering HRIS, ATS, survey, or workforce management systems.
• Previous leadership or operational role in HR automation or people analytics functions.
• A degree with a quantitative emphasis (e.g., Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Mathematics, Statistics) coupled with applied automation experience.
• Experience in fintech, crypto, or a highly distributed remote-first company serving employees in 50+ countries.

Additional Information

Applications are accepted continuously unless a specific deadline is announced. Candidates have the option to redact personal identifying information related to age and education dates on their resumes. The company considers applicants with criminal records in accordance with fair chance hiring laws. It is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, evaluating applicants solely on merit and encouraging candidates to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification but have passion or knowledge about crypto.

As part of the recruitment process, job-related assessment tests may be used to objectively evaluate candidate skills and work styles to complement experience and interviews. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited based on legally protected characteristics.