Intermediate Software Engineer

This backend heavy Intermediate Software Engineer role sits within one of our Enterprise Stream engineering squads, contributing to Horizon, Vista’s cloud‑hosted data platform used by cinemas worldwide.

You’ll work on the backend services, data pipelines, and SQL-backed systems that enable Horizon to onboard customers, process large volumes of data, and operate reliably in production. This role focuses on improving and evolving an existing platform where understanding data, performance, and system behaviour is just as important as building new capabilities.

The role 

You’ll contribute to services and data flows that sit at the core of Horizon’s platform. Working alongside other experienced engineers, you’ll build and improve backend services, APIs, and SQL-driven components that support how data is ingested, transformed, and served.

This is an experienced, hands-on role where you’ll further develop your ability to work with production systems, investigate issues, and improve performance over time.

You will:

• Build and maintain backend services and APIs using C# and .NET
• Write, optimise, and troubleshoot SQL queries that support data pipelines and APIs
• Contribute to workflows that process large datasets
• Investigate and improve system performance, including slow queries, data bottlenecks, and service behaviour
• Work with your team, product managers, and architects to deliver practical, maintainable solutions

Why this role

This role is well suited to an engineer looking to grow beyond straightforward feature work and build deeper experience in how systems run in production.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work with real-world data pipelines and large datasets
• Develop strong SQL and performance optimisation skills
• Gain experience with production systems, debugging, and reliability
• Gradually take on more ownership of services and components as your confidence grows

You’ll bring strong intermediate level backend fundamentals with experience working with data-intensive systems. You’re comfortable contributing to existing systems and are looking to grow your skills in performance, data, and platform-level thinking.

Core experience:

• 4+ years' experience with C# and ASP.NET Core (.NET 6+)
• Strong SQL skills, including query writing, optimisation, and working with relational data in production systems
• Good exposure to data-heavy applications or data warehouse–style systems
• Microsoft Azure (application hosting, data services, or monitoring)
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and modern deployment practices (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, Octopus)

You’ll also have:

• Strong problem‑solving and debugging skills, particularly in production environments
• A collaborative mindset and clear communication style
• An interest in understanding how systems behave at scale and improving them over time

For this particular role, we are currently only considering applicants with the right to live and work in New Zealand without the need for employer sponsorship.

About Vista

Vista is a world-leading company that makes software for the cinema industry. Started in Auckland, New Zealand, over 25 years ago, we now serve cinemas, film distributors, and moviegoers worldwide.

Our HQ is in the City Works Depot in Auckland. We have offices and subsidiary companies in Sydney, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam, Cape Town, Shanghai, Mexico City, and Kuala Lumpur. We use the latest technologies and offer a fun, agile and collaborative environment. We continue to innovate and build our reputation as one of the best Kiwi tech companies to work for.

Shared Standards 

Our Shared Standards act as a compass for how we work together and reflect the behaviours we value at Vista Group. The way in which each member of our crew embodies these Shared Standards is an indicator for performance and success, as it aligns with our vision and strategy.   

One Crew 

• We're a diverse team, in different places and functions, and we're at our best when we connect, help and collaborate  

Shine a Light 

• We communicate openly, we explain the why, and we ask when we don't understand. We don't leave people in the dark 

Make it Happen 

• We make good things happen as people and as teams through our focus on delivery 

Chase Great 

• We challenge ourselves and each other to keep improving 

You will be supported to continually learn and improve your tech skills, share knowledge and ideas in the team, and be part of a dynamic and open culture.

We have a range of benefits that include:

• Excellent work/life balance including a 4 ½ day working week
• Hybrid working (home and office-based split, requiring 1-2 days attendance per week in the Auckland office)
• Medical and Life insurance (after qualifying period)
• Volunteer day, enhanced paid parental leave and wellness benefits
• Strong mentoring & career development focus
• Fun team events including the Vista Innovation Cup

If you enjoy a challenge and working in a dynamic and collaborative team, you’ll love working at Vista.

We value inclusivity celebrate diversity and are committed to offering equal opportunity to our staff and candidates — regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religious, ethical beliefs or political opinion. This commitment is reflected in all our employment policies and procedures.