Senior Software Engineer - Backend Contractor

Westpac New Zealand Limited; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Westpac New Zealand Limited is seeking a Senior Backend Developer to design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services as part of the Product Engineering – Cards and Consumer Finance team. You will replace a critical legacy system with a modern tech stack, starting from scratch, and contribute to automated testing and CI/CD practices.

You should bring 10+ years of API and backend experience, strong Java/Spring Boot, Kafka, and IBM MQ proficiency, and a solid DevOps mindset with

Qualifications

• 10+ years of API and backend development experience.
• Proficiency with Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, IBM MQ.
• Experience with DevOps, CI/CD, containers, and deployment automation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain backend applications and integration solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, ensuring system stability.
• Contribute to release and deployment processes, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance.

Skills

AI in design

Systems thinking

Analytical thinking

Communication

Tools

Java

Spring Boot

Kafka

IBM MQ

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Job description

## Senior Software Engineer - Backend ContractorApply: Westpac on Takutai Square: Hapori Pōneke: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 10, 2026 (14 days left to apply): JR108033**About us**At Westpac New Zealand, our purpose is to Help New Zealanders Succeed. As a Bank and one of New Zealand's leading employers, we are passionate about helping people. We are taking action today to create a better future for the people who bank with us, work with us, invest in us or are part of our broader communities. **Mō te tūranga | About the Role**Join Westpac NZ as a Senior Backend Developer in our Product Engineering – Cards and Consumer Finance team. You’ll play a key role in designing, developing, and maintaining scalable applications using backend technologies. You’ll replace a critical legacy system with modern tech stack starting from scratch.**Ko tō mahi | What you’ll do*** Design, develop, test, and maintain applications and integration solutions.* Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, ensuring system stability.* Implement changes aligned with design specifications and evolving business needs.* Analyse recurring issues and lead continuous improvement initiatives.* Maintain and refine support procedures to ensure resilience and minimise downtime.* Contribute to release and deployment processes, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance.* Implement automated testing and ensure high-quality code through code reviews and continuous integration practices.**Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?*** At least **10+ years’ experience across API and Backend development*** Proficiency with server-side development **(Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, IBM MQ).*** Experience in DevOps such as CI/CD pipelines, containerisation, and deployment automation.* Experience using AI for design and development.* Strong knowledge of database schema design, transactions, and queries.* Exceptional influencing and communication skills, with the ability to guide individuals toward fast and effective outcomes.* Strong problem-solving skills using systems thinking and analytical approaches.