Software Engineer – AI-First Data Engineering

Description As an intermediate level Software Engineer, focusing on AI first delivery, you’ll help build the technical foundations for the next phase of Vista’s AI programme. Working as part of the data engineering team, you’ll design and implement the pipelines, services, integrations, and platform capabilities needed to connect data across Vista’s systems and support practical AI-enabled workflows. You’ll use AI-first engineering practices to build secure, scalable, and reusable production systems, with a strong focus on clear problem definition, effective AI orchestration, and reliable delivery. This role is expected to be approximately 20% analysis and design, and 80% implementation. Help us build the secure and scalable data platform that will support Vista’s AI capabilities, improve operational decision-making, and create better outcomes for our customers and teams. What You'll Do Design, build, and operate reliable data ingestion pipelines across APIs, events, databases, files, and third-party platformsBuild services, integrations, and reusable tooling using Python, TypeScript, and the patterns established by Vista’s data engineering teamUse AI-first engineering practices to orchestrate the design, development, testing, documentation, and operation of production systemsCreate secure and observable interfaces that allow copilots, agents, automation, and decision-support workflows to consume trusted dataHelp build unified views of Vista’s customer and business operationsImplement monitoring, logging, alerting, auditability, failure handling, and data quality controls across services and pipelinesApply strong security, privacy, access control, data ownership, and responsible AI practices throughout the solution lifecycleManage multiple workstreams in parallel while remaining self-directed and accountable for deliveryHelp improve Vista’s data engineering architecture, development practices, and reusable platform patterns Requirements What you’ll bring with you Strong software engineering fundamentals and experience delivering production systemsExperience with Python, TypeScript, APIs, integrations, data pipelines, or distributed servicesStrong experience using AI tools to design, generate, test, review, and operate softwareClear written and verbal communication, with the ability to describe technical problems preciselyExperience with relational databases, data modelling, metadata, and cloud platformsUnderstanding of observability, monitoring, automated testing, CI/CD, and DevOps practicesSound judgment around security, privacy, governance, and access controlConfidence working independently in ambiguous and fast-moving environmentsAbility to manage several tasks or workstreams in parallel without significant management overheadA practical approach to engineering, with a bias toward delivery, reuse, and measurable outcomesExperience with AI orchestration, agents, event-driven systems, analytics platforms, infrastructure automation, or large-scale data processing would be valuable For this particular role, we are currently only considering applicants with the right to live and work in New Zealand without the need for employer sponsorship. About Vista Vista is a world-leading company that makes software for the cinema industry. Started in Auckland, New Zealand, over 25 years ago, we now serve cinemas, film distributors, and moviegoers worldwide. Our HQ is in the City Works Depot in Auckland. We have offices and subsidiary companies in Sydney, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam, Cape Town, Shanghai, Mexico City, and Kuala Lumpur. We use the latest technologies and offer a fun, agile and collaborative environment. We continue to innovate and build our reputation as one of the best Kiwi tech companies to work for. Shared Standards Our Shared Standards act as a compass for how we work together and reflect the behaviours we value at Vista Group. The way in which each member of our crew embodies these Shared Standards is an indicator for performance and success, as it aligns with our vision and strategy. One Crew We're a diverse team, in different places and functions, and we're at our best when we connect, help and collaborate Shine a Light We communicate openly, we explain the why, and we ask when we don't understand. We don't leave people in the dark Make it Happen We make good things happen as people and as teams through our focus on delivery Chase Great We challenge ourselves and each other to keep improving Benefits You will be supported to continually learn and improve your tech skills, share knowledge and ideas in the team, and be part of a dynamic and open culture. We have a range of benefits that include: Excellent work/life balance including a 4 ½ day working weekHybrid working (home and office-based split, requiring 1-2 days attendance per week in the Auckland office)Medical and Life insurance (after qualifying period)Volunteer day, enhanced paid parental leave and wellness benefitsStrong mentoring & career development focusFun team events including the Vista Innovation Cup If you enjoy a challenge and working in a dynamic and collaborative team, you’ll love working at Vista. We value inclusivity celebrate diversity and are committed to offering equal opportunity to our staff and candidates — regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religious, ethical beliefs or political opinion. This commitment is reflected in all our employment policies and procedures.