Principal Software Engineer | Digital Engineering

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

The Principal Engineer is a senior technology expert who adds value across the spectrum from writing code and reviewing architecture to co-defining technology vision and strategy. This role demands excellence; what is best today may not be tomorrow.

You will connect management with contributors and ensure alignment towards delivering outstanding outcomes. You will challenge the status quo, suggest improvements, and often implement them. As a role model of our culture and growth mindset, you will create transparency across your domain and from squads through to leadership.

We are looking for deep expertise in Enterprise Technology and Engineering who is able to work in a space where Java, React, Kafka, Typescript, Containerisation, Automation are combined with appropriate use of off the shelf software. You should also have the ability to provide expert technical direction on technologies and strategy across all system aspects within the sub domain: which technology is in use where shouldn't inhibit your ability to understand demand and design for value.

Ko tō mahi | What you’ll do

• Set the technical direction for sub domains by defining patterns, guiding architectural decisions, and ensuring technology choices align with broader enterprise strategy

• Ensure high quality application development focused on customer needs and operational suitability.

• Champion continuous improvement by identifying technical gaps, modernising legacy components, and driving upgrades that improve reliability, scalability, and developer productivity.

• Guide teams through complex problem resolution, using data-driven analysis to eliminate root causes and strengthen system resilience.

• Understand the bigger picture and how technical functions fit into business processes.

• Provide technical oversight across the SDLC, ensuring architectural alignment, engineering standards, and best practices are consistently applied across squads.

• Encourage professional development and innovative practices.

• Provide feedback to management on challenges and suggest improvements.

• Build strong relationships with Technical Leads, Scrum Masters, Business teams, SMEs, and Craft Specialists.

• Lead by influence, example, and logical argument and when necessary, by instruction.

Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?

• 15+ years of experience in software engineering and digital transformation.

• Deep expertise and contributions towards successful enterprise-scale solutions.

• Strong architectural capability to bridge strategy, design, and execution.

• Ability to define engineering standards and deliver scalable, high-quality systems.

• Proven leadership and mentoring skills to inspire and grow teams.

• Solid knowledge of cloud-native and on-premises integrations.

• Enterprise mindset with focus on aligning technology to business outcomes.

• Skilled communicator and influencer of technology strategy at all levels.

• Hands-on approach combined with strategic thinking and innovation.

• Growth mindset with passion for learning and driving change.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and ability to build trust across teams.

• Ability to make pragmatic, technical decisions in ambiguous situations, balancing risk, strategic alignment, and delivery timelines.

• Strong customer focus with ability to accelerate digital outcomes.

• Proactive risk management and constructive challenge to deliver success.

Westpac Hei Wāhi Mahi | Working at Westpac

In addition to immersing yourself in a supportive team environment, you'll receive some great job perks and benefits including:

• 4 weeks standard holiday + 5 additional days of wellbeing leave to support you to be your best

• Additional purchased leave options up to 4 weeks per year

• Banking benefits, insurance discounts and superannuation scheme

• Growth and development – we provide opportunities for development and promote internal mobility

• Recognition - we recognise and reward our star performers

• School holiday subsidy - help you balance work and family during school holiday

• 2 Volunteer days per year

Ko mātou tēnei | Our Organisation
At Westpac, we’re working together to build a fairer and stronger New Zealand for our people, customers, and communities. For over 160 years we’ve been driven by our purpose to Create Better Futures Together.

What makes us unique are the incredible people we’re lucky enough to have walk through our doors every day. The giant ‘W’ on our building doesn’t just stand for Westpac – it says, double you. We’re a place that values, rewards and recognises individuality. Where you can be your whole self, your true self, and your best self. We’re recognised as a place where talent is developed, where passions are fuelled and where ambitions of all shapes and sizes thrive. And it all starts with you!

Tono mai ināianei! | Apply Now!

Apply today with your CV and Cover Letter. 

The people of Aotearoa, New Zealand hail from many cultures and backgrounds. At Westpac New Zealand, we draw on this enormous talent pool to cultivate a team rich in ability and empowered to reach its full potential. Our aim is to be brave challengers, celebrating our differences and relentlessly advocating for our customers. It starts with us – we believe that when we care deeply and do our best for our people, they’ll do their best for our customers. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, including those who are neurodiverse, have chronic health conditions or disabilities – your attitude and passion are as important to us as your experience, qualifications and capabilities. 

Mahi tahi tātou, kaha ake tātou | Together Greater

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