Senior Full Stack Engineer @ Emerge

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

Job summary

Icehouseventures is looking for a skilled Full Stack Engineer to build AI-powered backends in New Zealand. You’ll design robust systems with Kotlin and Spring Boot while developing responsive web platforms using React and Tailwind. Join a fast-paced team committed to innovation.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of development experience and a passion for integrating AI into software solutions. Enjoy a hybrid work model with a focus on collaboration and high-impact work.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in software development.
• Deep focus on backend technologies.
• Experience creating AI-first development pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain robust backend systems using Kotlin/Java and Spring Boot.
• Implement and optimize responsive web platforms using TypeScript.
• Propose and implement meaningful AI integrations.

Skills

Backend Mastery with Spring Boot

Frontend Proficiency with React.js

Experience with PostgreSQL

AI Integration Expertise

Strong Problem-Solving Skills

Clear Communication

Tools

AWS

TypeScript

Tailwind CSS

Job description

Senior Full Stack Engineer @ Emerge

Build robust, AI-powered backends in NZ with Kotlin/Spring. Shape a challenger bank, own high-impact work, and thrive in a collaborative, inclusive hybrid team.

Full Stack Engineer (AI-Forward)

Location: New Zealand (Hybrid: In-office Tue, Thu, Fri)

Stack: React, Tailwind, TypeScript, Kotlin/Java, Spring Boot, AWS

The Mission

At Emerge, we aren’t just building a company; we’re building a movement. Our vision is to be New Zealand’s most ambitious challenger bank, flipping the current model to give every Kiwi access to a better financial future. We move fast, prioritise "Beautiful Simplicity," and treat our customers as real people with real stories, not just data points.

We are seeking a Full Stack Engineer with a strong backend foundation who can also craft exceptional web experiences. At Emerge, AI isn’t a feature—it’s our operating system, and we need someone who will proactively integrate AI into our systems to boost intelligence and velocity.

Why Emerge is a Developer’s Dream

We don’t just "plug in" third‑party tools; we build the future from the ground up because we demand more than off‑the‑shelf solutions can provide.

• Ground‑Up Infrastructure: We have built our own products from the ground up, including 2 native iOS Apps, 2 native Android Apps, 2 Web Apps, 4 CRMs, 3 dashboards, and over 17 backend services.
• Full Control: We’ve built real‑time card authorisation flows, giving us full control over transaction approvals and declines to create customised controls.
• Core Innovation: We have successfully built integrations with blockchain ledgers and modular architectures that allow us to switch services without downstream issues.
• Internal AI Innovation: We have built AI into several parts of the company, most recently we have built an AI tool in our CRM that converts natural language into real‑time data queries, empowering every team to interrogate our data directly.
• High‑Impact Environment: You’ll be working on core financial infrastructure in a company that rewards leverage and impact over tenure.

What You’ll Tackle

• Architect & Build: Design and maintain robust backend systems using Kotlin/Java and Spring Boot, while building sleek web interfaces with React and Tailwind.
• Web Development: Implement and optimise responsive web platforms using TypeScript, ensuring high-performance user experiences.
• AI Integration: Propose and implement meaningful AI integrations to boost system intelligence or developer flow.
• Performance: Design efficient database schemas and write optimised PostgreSQL queries for latency-sensitive flows.
• Infrastructure: Use AWS services (ECS, S3, Lambda) appropriately and move toward automating infrastructure as code.
• Mentorship: Review PRs and share knowledge across the team to foster a culture of trust and high performance.

Who You Are

• Experienced: You have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software development, with a deep focus on backend technologies.
• AI‑Native: You see AI as a teammate and force multiplier, moving beyond simple prompts to building AI‑first dev pipelines.
• First‑Class Thinker: You live in "1st and 2nd place"—you don’t just raise problems; you bring fixes or reasoned solutions.
• Grit & Ownership: You have the toughness to push through when things get hard and the "grit" to finish what you start.
• Clear Communicator: You communicate clearly in stand‑ups and can explain complex technical decisions to both teammates and non‑engineers.

The Emerge Way

• Default to Trust: Authority comes from trust earned through action, not titles or hierarchy.
• Energy Modes: We protect deep‑work "Builder" time (Mon/Wed) and maximise "Facilitator" time for in‑office collaboration (Tue/Thu/Fri).
• We All Sweep the Deck: No task is beneath us—if it helps the mission, we pitch in.
• Reward Leverage: We reward impact and outcomes over tenure. If you create massive leverage, you’ll be rewarded fast.

Qualifications & Stack

• Backend Mastery: 5+ years of experience with Spring Boot (Kotlin or Java) and PostgreSQL.
• Frontend Proficiency: Proven experience in React.js, Tailwind CSS, and TypeScript.