Principal Software Developer

Ratonga Matihiko | Digital Services

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Fixed Term role - till September 2026
• Great culture and team environment

Are you a seasoned Principal Software Developer with a passion for data integration and cutting-edge technology?  

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

We are looking for a Principal Software Developer to lead and enhance our event-driven data integration platform. In this role, you will take ownership of the full product cycle—from understanding system integration requirements to designing, building, and optimising data integration patterns. This role is fixed term till September 2026, and will lead in event and batch driven integration processes as we work to implement Workday. 

The successful candidate must be based in Christchurch to meet the needs of the role, however, flexible working arrangements with the ability to work some days from home are possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Data Integration Initiatives - Maintain and optimise our event-driven data integration hub.
• Develop & Implement Data Solutions - Work cross-functionally to extract and expose new data sets for downstream consumption.
• Optimise Performance & Security - Ensure data analytics tools are running efficiently while maintaining robust security and governance standards.
• Collaborate Across Teams - Work with developers, architects, and analysts to ensure seamless integration of data solutions.
• Drive Continuous Improvement - Stay ahead of industry trends and apply best practices to enhance UC's data platforms.

Mōu | Who You Are
You will have at least 7 years' experience as a Principal Software Developer, including at least 3 years in a technical lead role as well as have:

• Expertise in event-driven and batch data integration processes.
• Strong experience with SQL, C#, Python, and JavaScript.
• Hands-on experience with on-prem and cloud-based data integration solutions.
• Proven leadership and organisational skills.
• Passion for collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation.
• Bachelor's Degree (NZQA Level 7) in Computer Science or equivalent
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
Building world-class digital capability is crucial to the University of Canterbury's ongoing success. Digital Services is a large team, striving to provide a modern dynamic foundation from which the University (UC) can explore new business models and ways of working. Digital will transform how we work, behave, and the expectations of the communities we service. 

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can, and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here .

We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

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: 15th June 2025 (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. If you hold a valid work visa and are physically present in New Zealand, then you may also be considered.