Principal Software Developer

Job Description:

Te Ratonga Tautoko Hangarau | Digital Services
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Based on our beautiful campus
• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous superannuation provisions (up to 6.75% employer contribution)
• 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

Join the University of Canterbury in a pivotal senior technical role where you will shape the design, delivery, and evolution of modern digital solutions. As a Principal Software Developer, you will act as a “player-coach,” combining hands-on development expertise with technical leadership to guide high-performing teams and deliver secure, scalable, and innovative systems that support the University’s strategic goals.

In this influential role, you will bridge the gap between architecture, product, and delivery teams to ensure high-quality, future-focused digital solutions. You will:

• Lead by example through hands-on software development while mentoring and guiding developers across the squad
• Translate high-level solution architectures into detailed, implementable technical designs
• Collaborate closely with architects, product owners, and stakeholders to shape achievable product roadmaps
• Champion best practice in software engineering, including design patterns, security, and risk awareness
• Drive DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD, automated testing, and secure delivery pipelines
• Contribute to sprint planning, estimation, and delivery activities to ensure successful project outcomes
• Support technology roadmap development, including lifecycle planning and minimisation of technical debt
• Evaluate emerging technologies and provide strategic input into tools, standards, and methodologies

Mōu | Who You Are

You are an experienced and forward-thinking software professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills. You thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about mentoring others and delivering high-quality solutions.

• 10+ years’ experience in software development, including solution design in complex environments
• Proven ability to lead and influence technical teams while remaining hands-on in development
• Strong experience delivering cloud-based digital solutions in modern architectures
• Expertise in full-stack web development using contemporary frameworks and tools
• Experience in integration, APIs, and/or data architecture
• Strong understanding of software design patterns, engineering best practices, and secure development
• Experience working in Agile or Lean delivery environments, including planning and estimation
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• 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 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: 22 May 2026 (midnight, NZ time)*Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received.*

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.