Senior Software Engineer

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 

For more information on the role please view the position description 

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 Shannon.ransley@caa.govt.nz  

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.