Senior Software Engineer (Java) - Nexus

Phocas Software; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in financial planning software is seeking an experienced backend or full-stack engineer to join their dynamic team in Christchurch. The role involves shaping technical direction, mentoring others, and solving complex data challenges. With a focus on professional development, team collaboration, and a fun work environment, this position offers flexibility and numerous benefits, including health insurance and educational support.

Benefits

Southern Cross health insurance

Life/TPD/income protection

Extra paid parental leave

Educational support

Flexible hours

Qualifications

• Experienced backend or full-stack engineer.
• Collaborative and supportive with a team-first approach.

Responsibilities

• Shape technical direction and drive best practices.
• Work across all stages of development and solve complex backend challenges.

Skills

Java

Cloud Development

Data Processing

Algorithmic Problem-Solving

Job description

We're builders, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners.

For over 20 years, we've been creating powerful yet intuitive financial planning and analytics tools - software that tackles complexity, simplifies decision-making, and helps businesses thrive.

We move fast when it makes sense, slow down when it matters, and always make space for growth. Every engineer gets 10% of their time, one day a fortnight, dedicated to professional development. Because better people build better products.

And we like to have fun while we're at it. Whether it's Lego competitions, shared meals, or celebrating wins together, we make time to enjoy the ride.

The Role

You'll join a small, dynamic team where your ideas and experience really count. This is more than a coding role: you'll help shape technical direction, drive best practices, and mentor others. You'll work across all stages of development, solve complex data and backend challenges, and help the team ship high-quality, thoughtful solutions. It's an area full of exciting problems and interesting tech!

Current projects include:

• a distributed query engine cluster that uses an in-memory data grid on top of Hazelcast (IMDG) to deliver fast, scalable results
• a distributed stream processing pipeline, also on top of Hazelcast (Jet), responsible for batch and microbatch workloads

We're looking for someone who:

• Is an experienced backend or full-stack engineer, confident in Java, cloud development, distributed computation, data processing and algorithmic problem-solving
• Knows how to work smart: moves fast, but not recklessly
• Has a growth mindset and welcomes feedback
• Is collaborative and supportive, with a team-first approach
• Gets energy from tough problems and crafting elegant solutions
• Brings a sense of fun and positivity to the team

Why Phocas?

• The people - It's the #1 thing our team says they love most
• Social/fun stuff - Optional games, good banter, lots of food
• 10% PD time - One day a fortnight just for learning and development
• Our Sydenham office - Spacious, sunny, with plenty of parking for cars, bikes, or scooters
• Benefits - Southern Cross health insurance, life/TPD/income protection, extra paid parental leave, educational support and more
• Flexibility - Hybrid work policy and flexible hours to suit your life

The Fine Print

Phocas is an Accredited Employer and we're strong supporters of international talent, but due to current visa settings and processing times, we can only consider applicants with existing NZ working rights.

A Bit More About Us

Phocas started out in the UK and has grown into a global company with over 300 people, headquartered in Sydney and with a thriving Product & Development hub in Christchurch.We help around 30,000 users make better decisions through better data, providing tools that let them explore, analyse, and share insights with confidence. We're proud of our customer-first mindset and committed to building high-quality, human-friendly products that make a real difference.

A Note to Agencies:

Phocas does not accept agency resumes. Please do not send CVs to our jobs email, employees, or any other contact. We won't be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.Phocas is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans status or any other characteristic protected by law.