Lead Engineer

Westpac New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks holiday

Wellbeing leave

Longer leave options

Banking benefits

Insurance discounts

Superannuation

Career development

Internal mobility

Recognition program

School holiday subsidy

Volunteer days

Job summary

Westpac New Zealand is seeking a talented Lead Engineer to drive development of payment systems and to mentor a team of engineers. The role sits in our Payments Technology team, delivering scalable solutions and modernising our software practices.

You will lead technical discussions, align squads with the Payments strategy, and evangelise quality engineering, automation, and DevOps disciplines to deliver resilient software faster and more frequently.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in app development, including 3+ years in a leadership/senior role.
• Experience with Java-based full stack development and microservices architecture.
• Experience with DevOps tools including Playwright, Docker, OpenShift, Chef, Jenkins, Dynatrace and Splunk.
• Knowledge of IBM Mainframe systems (COBOL, CICS, DB2, MQ) would be an advantage.
• Proven track record designing and implementing system architectures and driving quality engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical direction of application development and configuration.
• Mentor a team of developers and collaborate across squads to align with Payments strategy.
• Define coding, quality and DevOps practices and drive modernisation initiatives.
• Partner with product and engineering leaders to shape the technology roadmap and ensure delivery of high‑quality payment solutions.

Skills

Java full stack

Microservices

Leadership

Mentoring

Agile delivery

Communication

Tools

Playwright

Docker

OpenShift

Chef

Jenkins

Dynatrace

Splunk

COBOL (IBM Mainframe)

Job description

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

This is a permanent position in our Payments Technology team. We’re looking for a talented and experienced Lead Engineer to drive the development of payment systems, and of our engineers.

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

This is a permanent position in our Payments Technology team. We’re looking for a talented and experienced Lead Engineer to drive the development of payment systems, and of our engineers.

In this leadership role, you’ll oversee the technical direction of application development and configuration, mentor a team of developers, and collaborate cross-functionally to create high-quality, scalable payment solutions. As a key player on our team, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the development of complex systems while leveraging your expertise in modern development practices.

You will be leading the technical discussions and working as a bridge between key technology leadership stakeholders and squads to ensure that everyone is aligned with the overall Payments strategy.

• You’ll be working with our Engineering teams to help work on application features, integrations, configuration and delivery. You will be able to lead the team in developing engineering and coding standards, advocate the adoption of new technology and tooling, and drive quality uplift initiatives.
• You’ll be providing training and mentoring other engineers to increase their technical capabilities to improve the overall capability of teams with different technologies.
• You’ll work with product and engineering leadership to ensure technical decisions and implementations are aligned with strategic goals and help define the product and technology roadmap.
• You are passionate about helping the team to deliver quality-focused applications, defining technical roadmaps, identifying technical risks and owning engineering decisions.
• You will contribute to our modernisation journey by leading the team in defining the coding practices, quality practices and DevOps practices.

Above all, we believe in simplification and want you to help us drive this, to deliver resilient software faster and more frequently.

Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?

• At least 8 years of professional experience in app development, including a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or senior developer role.
• Experience with Java-based full stack development and microservices architecture.
• Experience with a wide range of DevOps tools, including but not limited to Playwright, Docker, OpenShift, Chef, Jenkins, Dynatrace, and Splunk.
• IBM Mainframe systems knowledge would be an advantage - COBOL, CICS, DB2, MQ.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing systems architecture for applications.
• Solid understanding of Quality Engineering standards and experience with Automation frameworks.
• Experience mentoring and leading a team of developers in a collaborative environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in complex technical challenges.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to guide and inspire a team.
• Experience working in Agile environments. This includes participating in iterative development cycles, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and adapting to changing requirements to deliver high-quality software solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• A customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality experiences.

Westpac Hei Wāhi Mahi | Working at Westpac

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

• 4 weeks standard holiday + 5 additional days of wellbeing leave to support you to be your best
• Additional purchased leave options up to 4 weeks per year
• Banking benefits, insurance discounts and superannuation scheme
• Growth and development – we provide opportunities for development and promote internal mobility
• Recognition - we recognise and reward our star performers
• School holiday subsidy - help you balance work and family during school holiday
• 2 Volunteer days per year

Ko mātou tēnei | 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!

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 neurodivergent, have chronic health conditions or disabilities – your attitude and passion are as important to us as your experience, qualifications and capabilities.

Mahi tahi tātou, kaha ake tātou | Together Greater

Applications Close

5 November 2026