Intermediate Software Engineer
TLDR
Work on backend services and data pipelines for Horizon’s cloud data platform, optimizing SQL-driven components and production systems while growing ownership of services.
This Intermediate Software Engineer role sits within one of our Enterprise Stream engineering squads, contributing to Horizon, Vista’s cloud‑hosted data platform used by cinemas worldwide.
You’ll work on the backend services, data pipelines, and SQL-backed systems that enable Horizon to onboard customers, process large volumes of data, and operate reliably in production. This role focuses on improving and evolving an existing platform where understanding data, performance, and system behaviour is just as important as building new capabilities.
The role
You’ll contribute to services and data flows that sit at the core of Horizon’s platform. Working alongside experienced engineers, you’ll build and improve backend services, APIs, and SQL-driven components that support how data is ingested, transformed, and served.
This is a hands-on role where you’ll develop your ability to work with production systems, investigate issues, and improve performance over time.
You will:
- Build and maintain backend services and APIs using C# and .NET
- Write, optimise, and troubleshoot SQL queries that support data pipelines and APIs
- Contribute to data pipelines and workflows that process large datasets
- Investigate and improve system performance, including slow queries, data bottlenecks, and service behaviour
- Work with your team, product managers, and architects to deliver practical, maintainable solutions
Why this role
This role is well suited to an engineer looking to grow beyond straightforward feature work and build deeper experience in how systems run in production.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Work with real-world data pipelines and large datasets
- Develop strong SQL and performance optimisation skills
- Gain experience with production systems, debugging, and reliability
- Gradually take on more ownership of services and components as your confidence grows
Requirements
You’ll bring solid backend fundamentals and some experience working with data-intensive systems. You’re comfortable contributing to existing systems and are looking to grow your skills in performance, data, and platform-level thinking.
Core experience:
- C# and ASP.NET Core (.NET 6+)
- Strong SQL skills, including query writing, optimisation, and working with relational data in production systems
- Experience building and consuming APIs
- Exposure to data-heavy applications or data warehouse–style systems
- Microsoft Azure (application hosting, data services, or monitoring)
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and modern deployment practices (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, Octopus)
You’ll also have:
- Strong problem‑solving and debugging skills, particularly in production environments
- A collaborative mindset and clear communication style
- An interest in understanding how systems behave at scale and improving them over time
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 week
- Hybrid 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 benefits
- Strong mentoring & career development focus
- Fun 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.
Benefits
4-Day Workweek
Excellent work/life balance including a 4 ½ day working week
Health Insurance
Medical and Life insurance (after qualifying period)
Team events and activities
Fun team events including the Vista Innovation Cup
Paid Parental Leave
Volunteer day, enhanced paid parental leave and wellness benefits
Remote-Friendly
Hybrid working (home and office-based split, requiring 1-2 days attendance per week in the Auckland office)
Vista Group builds software solutions tailored for the cinema industry, empowering cinemas, film distributors, and movie enthusiasts globally. With over 25 years of experience, they provide a comprehensive suite of tools that enhance the moviegoing experience and streamline operations for their clients in over 100 countries.