Principal Software Engineer | Digital Engineering

Principal Software Engineer | Digital Engineering

Join to apply for the Principal Software Engineer | Digital Engineering role at Westpac New Zealand

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 Java and modern front‑end frameworks such as Typescript and React (with hooks and context), along with familiarity with Playwright, Webdriver.io, and RestAssured . You should also have the ability to provide expert technical direction on technologies and strategy across all system aspects within the sub domain.

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, logical argument and when necessary, by instruction.

What will you bring

Working at Westpac

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

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!

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.

Applications Close 13 December 2025

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