Principal Engineer @ Contented AI

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

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand (hybrid in Christchurch)

\nAbout the job\n

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.

\nWhat You’ll Do\n

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

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

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