Principal Software Developer

Job Description:

Te Ratonga Tautoko Hangarau | Digital Services

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous superannuation provisions (up to 6.75% employer contribution)
• Salary – $122,330 - $150,000 p.a., based on skills and experience
• Permanent position, 37.5 hours per week

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Principal Software Developer? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

You will lead software engineering design and delivery, translating high-level solution architectures into detailed, implementable designs while guiding teams through build, deployment, and continuous improvement. Acting as the bridge between product owners, architects, and development teams, you will ensure solutions are aligned, scalable, and secure.

You will contribute to planning, estimation, and delivery activities, helping shape realistic roadmaps and ensuring successful outcomes. You will champion modern engineering practices, including DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing, while driving innovation and continuous improvement across the development lifecycle.

Contribute to technology roadmaps, evaluate emerging technologies, and influence standards, tools, and delivery approaches across the organisation.

Mōu | Who You Are

You are a highly experienced software engineering who enjoys combining hands-on development with technical direction, mentoring, and strategic influence.

You will also be able to demonstrate experience in:

• 10+ years development experience in a commercial or private sector IT environment, using more than one programming language, including python.
• Bachelor’s Degree (NZQA Level 7) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or closely related software development discipline.
• Strong experience designing and delivering backend systems for modern web-based applications
• Proven experience implementing CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and DevSecOps practices
• Demonstrated experience translating solution architecture into detailed technical designs
• Strong experience working with data models, database design, and system integration approaches
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will work closely with architects, product owners, security specialists, and Agile delivery teams, as well as external vendors and technical partners. You will play a key role in connecting strategy with delivery, collaborating across Digital Services and the wider University.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

UC’s Benefits(https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-of-working-at-uc) approach is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development and study opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts including UC RecCentre
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 18 May 2026 (midnight, NZ time)*Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.*

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.