Special Operations Software Developer

New Zealand Defence Force; Papakura; On-site; NZD 104,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes for Defence community

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force, based at Papakura Military Camp, is seeking a motivated Software Developer to design, develop and maintain applications across intranet, automation, and mobile/desktop platforms to support personnel and operations.

You will work with stakeholders, apply Agile practices, and contribute to lifecycle management while delivering secure, scalable solutions. A Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in software development are required; travel within New Zealand will be expected.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in software development with a passion for creating practical and innovative solutions.
• Substantive experience working in a large, complex business or project environment.
• Comfortable working within Agile methodologies, taking ownership of work and managing priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, deploy, and support software applications that meet business and user requirements.
• Develop and maintain intranet applications that improve day-to-day operations and efficiency.
• Create automation and integration solutions connecting internal and external systems.
• Build mobile applications and Windows-based applications for use in diverse operating environments.
• Contribute to software development planning, configuration management, service acceptance, and application lifecycle management.
• Investigate and resolve application issues, incidents, and technical problems in a timely manner.
• Apply software development best practices to deliver secure, reliable, and scalable solutions.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to analyse requirements and identify technology solutions.
• Continuously improve existing applications and processes to enhance performance and user experience.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Development or Equivalent

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

This incredibly unique opportunity sits in our 1NZSAS Regt based at Papakura Military Camp, where Unit tasks are focused, often discreet operations of an unorthodox and frequently high-risk nature.

We are seeking a motivated and innovative Software Developer to design, develop, and maintain applications that enhance business operations, improve user experience, and support the strategic and operational objectives of the 1NZSAS Regiment. Working across a range of technologies, you will deliver high-quality software solutions, contribute to application support and continuous improvement initiatives, and help maximise the value of technology investments.

In this role, you will play a key part in developing and maintaining intranet applications, creating automation and integration solutions, and building mobile and desktop applications that support personnel both within and outside organisational networks. You will work closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and deliver practical, user-focused technology solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, develop, test, deploy, and support software applications that meet business and user requirements.

Develop and maintain intranet applications that improve day-to-day operations and efficiency.

Create automation and integration solutions connecting internal and external systems.

Build mobile applications and Windows-based applications for use in diverse operating environments.

Contribute to software development planning, configuration management, service acceptance, and application lifecycle management.

Investigate and resolve application issues, incidents, and technical problems in a timely manner.

Apply software development best practices to deliver secure, reliable, and scalable solutions.

Work collaboratively with stakeholders to analyse requirements and identify technology solutions.

Continuously improve existing applications and processes to enhance performance and user experience.

The salary for this role ranges from $104,214 to $115,131, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Once you are up to speed in the role, you will be required to go on an on-call roster.This will be explained more at interview time.

You will also be required to travel within New Z​ealand on a regular basis.

To be successful in this role you will bring :

5+ years experience in software development with a passion for creating practical and innovative solutions.

Substantive experience working in a large, complex business or project environment.

Comfortable working within Agile methodologies, taking ownership of work and managing priorities effectively.

A proactive self-starter who can identify opportunities, solve problems, and work independently while remaining aligned with organisational priorities.

Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Development or Equivalent.

Courses and/or certifications in software development, Certifications in software release management advantageous.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact by delivering technology solutions that support operational effectiveness and drive continuous improvement across the organisation.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Applications close on Tuesday 6 October 2026.

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.

At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.

You must have ten (10) background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service ( NZSIS ) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria …

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.