Principal Engineer @ Contented AI

Icehouseventures; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Flexible work model

Impactful contributions in a small team

Job summary

Icehouseventures is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead our technical vision in Christchurch, New Zealand. In this hands-on role, you will mentor engineers, drive impactful solutions, and shape the architecture of our products.

With 10 years of experience, you'll contribute directly to projects and establish high engineering standards. We offer competitive salaries between NZ$180,000 and NZ$220,000, relocation support, and a flexible hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience across the full stack with a strong coding foundation.
• Deep expertise in specific areas, such as backend systems or security.
• Experience with AI-assisted development tools.

Responsibilities

• Own the architectural vision from infrastructure to delivered products.
• Contribute hands-on to projects while mentoring the team.
• Establish engineering standards and operational controls.

Skills

Full stack experience

Mentoring

Technical communication

Problem-solving

Job description

Principal Engineer @ Contented AI

Be the hands‑on Principal Engineer shaping Contented AI’s architecture in Christchurch — mentor engineers, own end‑to‑end delivery, and drive impactful, secure solutions.

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand (hybrid in Christchurch)

About the job

Contented is looking for a Principal Engineer to lead our technical vision and join our high‑performing engineering team. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll shape our technical direction while mentoring engineers and delivering exceptional work.

What You’ll Do

• Own the architectural vision from infrastructure through to delivered product, making decisions that balance innovation with pragmatism
• Roll up your sleeves and contribute – this isn’t a management‑heavy role
• Prioritise work based on business impact, helping the team focus on what matters most
• Establish engineering standards, security practices, and operational controls that scale

What We’re Looking For

• 10 years of experience across the full stack – you can speak intelligently from HTTP/TLS fundamentals through to deployed applications
• Technical breadth and depth (T‑shaped): deep expertise in at least one area (backend systems, security, infrastructure, etc.) where you’re among the best but have a good understanding across all areas
• Comfortable with AI‑assisted development tools while maintaining strong foundational coding skills
• Experience with Electron apps and modern frameworks is a plus
• Understanding why documentation, audit trails, and processes matter, and where they don’t (not just code)
• Strong opinions but open to evidence‑based discussion and changing your mind
• Skilled at translating technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders
• Patient mentor who can slow down to help others grow
• Self‑aware about the Dunning‑Kruger curve – you express confidence probabilistically, not declaratively
• Proactively identify and solve problems before being asked
• Worked in fast‑paced environments where you had autonomy to make decisions
• Enthusiastic about building something new, not maintaining the status quo

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (NZ$180 000 – NZ$220 000)
• Relocation support for the right candidate
• Flexible hybrid work – in‑office collaboration with work‑from‑home flexibility (2 days/week)
• Small, high‑trust team where your contributions directly impact the product
• Autonomy and ownership – we value outcomes over process