Principal Software Engineer

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

. Provide hands-on technical leadership across complex, high-impact engineering challenges .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeWellington • New ZealandLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates deep software engineering expertise with a focus on AI-augmented engineering, modern SDLC, and DevSecOps practices. Proven ability to lead technical design, mentor engineers, and influence software strategy across diverse teams and platforms.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Software Engineering ExpertiseAI-Augmented EngineeringDevSecOps PracticesTechnical LeadershipMentoring Engineers

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

JavaSpring BootReactREST APIsPostgreSQLAzureDockerKubernetesGitHubGitHub Actions

Soft Skills

Analytical Problem-SolvingExceptional CommunicationInfluencing SkillsSystems ThinkingGrowth Mindset

Industry Keywords

Engineering StandardsTechnical DirectionDigital DeliveryTe Ao MāoriTe Tiriti o Waitangi

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AzureCloudDockerJavaKubernetesPostgresReactSDLCSpringSpring BootSpringBoot

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide hands-on technical leadership across complex, high-impact engineering challenges
Lead the development and adoption of engineering standards, patterns, guardrails and reusable approaches
Lead the evolution of AI-augmented engineering, identifying, proving and scaling approaches that improve software design, development, testing and delivery
Bring systems thinking across frontend, backend, mobile and integration engineering
Influence software strategy, technical direction and significant engineering decisions across teams and platforms
Provide enterprise-level technical design leadership and proportionate assurance for significant or high-risk work
Guide detailed technical decisions, balancing quality, cost, security, resilience and long-term sustainability
Mentor engineers from graduate through to senior level and grow technical capability and future technical leaders
Build alignment across Engineering, Architecture, Security, Platforms, Product and delivery teams
Champion DevSecOps, automation and shift-left security across the SDLC
Shape technical direction, modern engineering practices and capability supporting digital delivery across NZTA

Requirements

What you’ll need

Deep software engineering expertise and excellent analytical and problem-solving capability, with a track record of tackling complex engineering challenges
Experience establishing and embedding engineering standards, patterns, guardrails, Golden Paths and reusable approaches
A future focused vision for AI augmented engineering, with the curiosity and technical leadership to experiment, prove and scale new approaches
Broad technical expertise across modern software engineering, including backend, frontend, integration, data and cloud technologies
Experience with Java, Spring Boot, React, REST APIs, PostgreSQL, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, GitHub and GitHub Actions
Strong understanding of modern SDLC and DevSecOps practices
Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complexity, tell a compelling technical story and build alignment without relying on authority
Systems thinking and sound technical judgement
Track record of mentoring engineers and developing future technical leaders
Growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning
Knowledge of, or willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
Knowledge of, or willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public service
Legal right to live and work in New Zealand
CV and cover letter detailing suitability for the role

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance
Five weeks annual leave
Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
Professional development and career growth opportunities
A collaborative and inclusive culture committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders