We're looking for a Principal Engineer to lead our technical vision and join our high-performing engineering team. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll shape our technical direction while mentoring engineers and delivering exceptional work.
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (relocation assistance available)
Compensation: $180,000 - $220,000 NZD + ESOP
Own the architectural vision from infrastructure through to delivered product, making decisions that balance innovation with pragmatism
Roll up your sleeves and contribute - this isn't a management heavy role
Prioritise work based on business impact, helping the team focus on what matters most
Establish engineering standards, security practices, and operational controls that scale
10 years of experience across the full stack - you can speak intelligently from HTTP/TLS fundamentals through to deployed applications
Deep expertise in at least one area (backend systems, security, infrastructure, etc.) where you're among the best but good understanding across all areas.
Comfortable with AI-assisted development tools while maintaining strong foundational coding skills
Experience with Electron apps and modern frameworks is a plus
You understand why documentation, audit trails, and process matter, and where it doesn’t (not just code)
You hold strong opinions loosely - open to evidence-based discussion and changing your mind
Skilled at translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
Patient mentor who can slow down to help others grow
Self-aware about the Dunning-Kruger curve - you express confidence probabilistically, not declaratively
You proactively identify and solve problems before being asked
You've worked in fast-paced environments where you had autonomy to make decisions
You're energised by building something new, not maintaining the status quo
Competitive salary ($180K-$220K)
Relocation support for the right candidate
Flexible hybrid work - in-office collaboration with work-from-home flexibility (2 days/week)
Small, high-trust team where your contributions directly impact the product
Autonomy and ownership - we value outcomes over process
Initial conversation with leadership to discuss your experience and goals
Technical deep-dive where you'll walk us through your work and approach
Team interviews - multiple 30-minute sessions with engineers and product team members