Senior Software Engineer
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand · Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- On site
- Full-time
- NZ$141,751 / year
- Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Job highlights
- Lead software and data platform delivery.
- Provide technical and architectural guidance.
- Break down complex problems into solutions.
- Coach and mentor engineering teams.
- Translate business needs into technology.
About the role
About The Role
As a Senior Software Engineer, you’ll provide hands‑on technical expertise and day‑to‑day delivery leadership across software and data platforms that are critical to the organisation’s purpose.
Working closely with the Team Leader, architects, analysts, testers and engineers, you will:
- Lead technical planning, prioritisation and coordination of work
- Provide architectural and design guidance within your domain
- Break down complex problems into practical, scalable solutions
- Support high‑quality delivery through modern engineering practices
- Coach and mentor software and data engineers, supporting capability uplift
You’ll also engage directly with business stakeholders, helping translate operational needs into robust, secure, and fit‑for‑purpose technology solutions.
This role enables the Team Leader to focus on strategic and people priorities by taking ownership of technical decision‑making and delivery oversight across the team.
The salary band for this role is $115,536 to $141,751. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical depth with the ability to influence, communicate, and lead through expertise.
This role would suit someone who has:
- Significant experience in a senior software engineering role within complex organisations
- Deep understanding of software design patterns, data structures and modern engineering practices
- Proven experience working with: .NET (Framework and Core), Angular, SQL Server, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, Databricks
- Experience configuring, customising, and optimising complex third‑party systems
- The ability to clearly explain technical decisions, risks, and trade‑offs to non‑technical stakeholders
- Experience coaching and mentoring engineers and supporting capability development
About Us
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation.
Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly.
Our values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration guide everything we do. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.
Why Join Us?
- 5 weeks annual leave, with an additional 2 days after five years of continuous service
- Sick leave entitlements from day 1 and Ten days Domestic leave annually
- Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
- Vision assistance
- Flu Vaccinations
- Employee Assistance Programme
Ready to Apply?
If you’re a Senior Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, guiding others, and delivering technology that matters we’d love to hear from you.
Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the skills required for this role.
We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.
If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact [Contact Information].
Applications close: Friday 15 May 2026
Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.
Key skills/competency
- Senior Software Engineer
- Software Development
- Technical Leadership
- Architecture & Design
- Problem Solving
- Modern Engineering Practices
- .NET
- Angular
- SQL Server
- Azure DevOps
Skills & topics
- Senior Software Engineer
- Software Development
- Technical Leadership
- Architecture
- Problem Solving
- .NET
- Angular
- SQL Server
- Azure DevOps
- CI/CD
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Emphasize experience with .NET, Angular, SQL Server, Azure DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate how your skills align with the Senior Software Engineer role requirements.
- Highlight leadership and mentoring: Showcase your experience in guiding technical decisions and developing other engineers.
- Prepare for technical discussions: Be ready to explain your approach to software design patterns and complex problem-solving.
- Demonstrate stakeholder communication: Prepare examples of how you've explained technical risks to non-technical audiences.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Senior Software Engineer role at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand?
- The salary band for the Senior Software Engineer position at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is between $115,536 and $141,751 annually. The starting salary will be determined based on the successful candidate's knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay equity.
- What technical skills are essential for the Senior Software Engineer role at CAA NZ?
- Essential technical skills for the Senior Software Engineer role include significant experience in a senior software engineering capacity, a deep understanding of software design patterns, data structures, modern engineering practices, and proven experience with .NET (Framework and Core), Angular, SQL Server, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and Databricks.
- Does the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand offer remote work for Senior Software Engineers?
- The job description for the Senior Software Engineer role does not explicitly state whether it is remote, hybrid, or on-site. Given the nature of the organization and the emphasis on team collaboration, it is likely an on-site or hybrid role based in New Zealand. For definitive information, it's best to inquire directly with the hiring contact.
- What are the benefits of joining the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand as a Senior Software Engineer?
- Benefits for a Senior Software Engineer at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand include 5 weeks of annual leave (plus additional days after 5 years), sick leave from day one, ten days domestic leave annually, matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%, vision assistance, flu vaccinations, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
- How can I best showcase my qualifications for the Senior Software Engineer position at CAA?
- To best showcase your qualifications for the Senior Software Engineer position, tailor your resume to highlight your experience in complex organizations and your proficiency with the specified technologies (.NET, Angular, SQL Server, Azure DevOps, etc.). Your cover letter is crucial; use it to directly address how your expertise aligns with the role's requirements, particularly in technical leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication.
- What is the application closing date for the Senior Software Engineer job?
- The application closing date for the Senior Software Engineer position is Friday, 15 May 2026. However, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand may begin shortlisting applications as they are received and reserves the right to close the advertisement earlier. Early application is encouraged.