Junior Design Engineer

Tait International Limited; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Onsite parking

Gym facilities

Café on site

Long service benefits

Active social club

Job summary

Tait Communications in Christchurch, New Zealand, is seeking a motivated Junior Software Engineer to join the Infrastructure Team, developing real-time communications software. This role suits a recent graduate or early-career engineer who is curious, collaborative, and eager to learn from experienced colleagues.

You will work on design, development, testing and maintenance, gain exposure to Linux, C/C++, Python and networking, and contribute across product teams.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or early-career engineer with a foundation in software engineering.
• Familiarity with Linux, networking basics, and real-time software concepts.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD and Docker is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design, development, testing and maintenance of real-time communications software.
• Document testing activities and follow agreed standards.
• Troubleshoot issues in complex, network-connected systems.
• Participate in design and code reviews to support continuous improvement.
• Communicate technical work effectively and plan tasks clearly.
• Collaborate with developers, testers, and other teams to deliver quality solutions.
• Build knowledge of software engineering practices and tools.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Linux

Networking

Git

CI/CD

Docker

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in CS/Software Eng or STEM

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Docker

Job description

We Go Beyond for A Safer World Te Tūranga - The Role

We're looking for a motivated Junior Software Engineer to join our Infrastructure Team, developing innovative real-time communications software products. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who is passionate about technology, enjoys solving complex problems, and is eager to learn from experienced engineers in a supportive environment. Reporting to the Team Leader, you will work within the development team and may also have opportunities to contribute across other product development teams. You'll join a collaborative group of developers and testers working on software that powers mission‑critical communications systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of real-time communications software.
• Executing and documenting software testing activities to agreed standards.
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues within complex, network‑connected systems.
• Participating in design reviews, code reviews, and peer reviews to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Planning, documenting, and communicating technical work effectively.
• Developing an understanding of our products, technologies, customers, and market requirements.
• Collaborating with developers, testers, and other engineering teams to deliver high‑quality solutions.
• Continually building knowledge of software engineering practices, tools, and technologies.

Ō pūkenga - About You

You're a motivated and curious engineer who enjoys solving technical problems and is eager to build your skills in a collaborative development environment. Whether you're a recent graduate or have some commercial experience, you'll bring a strong foundation in software engineering and a willingness to learn. We're looking for someone who can bring some of the following skills and experience:

• Experience or exposure to C/C++ and/or Python.
• Knowledge of Linux and networking fundamentals.
• An interest in telecommunications and real‑time communications systems.
• Exposure to Git or other version control tools.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices.
• Exposure to Continuous Integration (CI) and modern development tools.
• Experience with Docker or other containerisation technologies is advantageous.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative approach and eagerness to learn from experienced engineers.
• A tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or another STEM‑related discipline.

Even if your experience doesn't perfectly match every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We're looking for people with the right attitude, curiosity, and potential to grow. If this role excites you and you have experience in some of the areas above, we'd love to hear from you.

Ngā painga - What’s in it for you?

We are an employer that is committed to making a difference for families and communities and supporting people to build rewarding careers. We achieve this through employing people who connect with our Values (Commitment to listen. Courage to Act and Integrity to Deliver) that underpin our way of working together. We are committed to investing in our people, developing both individuals and teams to support a high‑performance culture.

• We prioritise your wellbeing through health insurance, annual flu vaccinations and extra sick leave in your first year.
• We provide a comfortable work environment through modern office facilities with free onsite parking, gym, and café.
• We recognise your commitment through long service benefits.
• We balance work with fun through our active social club!

About Us

For more than 50 years, Tait Communications has been designing, delivering, and supporting critical communications networks for public safety, transportation and utility customers around the world. Founded in Christchurch by Sir Angus Tait, we now have a network of customers and offices that spans the globe. Our employees value being part of a creative team committed to providing technological solutions that make a real difference to the communities we support. By joining Tait, you'll be joining a community of people with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, who care deeply about their work and the genuine impact it has for our customers, and who support each other to grow and develop.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Tait Communications is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed. We are encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.

At Tait Communications, the work experience is shaped by our culture, values, sustainability commitments, and the way we recognise success — but most of all, by our people.

Our team is self-disciplined, curious, and collaborative, guided by trust, humility, and integrity.

We put the team first, challenge ourselves to do better, and keep our promises.

These values guide how we work together and with our customers, and underpin our reputation as a global leader in critical communications.

At Tait Communications, we design and deliver critical communication systems that help keep communities safer and industries operating more efficiently around the world.

If you join us, you won't just be starting a new job; you'll be taking the first step towards a rewarding career with a Company that truly makes a difference.