Principal Software Engineer

Cognex Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognex Corporation is seeking a Principal Software Engineer in Auckland, New Zealand. In this role, you'll balance hands-on engineering with light leadership responsibilities while working on a production platform for large-scale logistics. Strong experience with .NET, Python, and Angular is essential, along with the ability to debug complex problems. While you'll support production systems, this role does not involve constant on-call duties, focusing instead on managing team backlogs and guiding deliverables.

Qualifications

• Typically 8+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong experience with .NET in long-running, production systems.
• Strong working knowledge of Python.

Responsibilities

• Balance hands-on engineering with light leadership and planning responsibilities.
• Lead technical execution and manage team backlog.
• Work closely with US-based partners to turn priorities into deliverable outcomes.

Skills

.NET

Python

Angular

Rust

Job description

We’re looking for a Principal Software Engineer who wants to stay deeply hands‐on while stepping into a light technical leadership role. You’ll work on a production platform that powers large‐scale logistics operations around the world, solving real problems at meaningful scale. This role blends senior individual‐contributor work with leading a small team of engineers and helping guide what gets built and when. You’ll lead technical execution, manage and shape the team backlog, and work closely with US‐based partners to turn priorities into deliverable outcomes. Formal people‐management experience is welcome but not required. **What You’ll Be Doing** Balance hands‐on engineering with light leadership, planning, and coordination responsibilities. **What We’re Looking For** Typically 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated impact. Strong experience with .NET in long‐running, production systems. Strong working knowledge of Python. Experience with Angular or similar frontend frameworks. Proven ability to debug and resolve complex technical problems. Experience influencing technical direction beyond individual features. Experience contributing to planning, backlog management, or delivery coordination. Experience leading or mentoring engineers without formal line management. Experience shaping or owning team backlogs or delivery plans. Experience working on distributed systems or evolving large platforms. Experience with Rust, or a strong interest in using it where it makes sense. Our customers operate globally, so occasional responsiveness during escalations is part of the role. * While you’ll support production systems, this is not a constant on‐call or support‐heavy position.**Location*** 3/4D Pacific Rise Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060. New Zealand