Back End Developer jobs in the IT industry

Find your next role as a Back End Developer in New Zealand

Real IT Jobs

Looking for your next opportunity as a Back End Developer? New Zealand’s thriving IT sector offers excellent career prospects for skilled developers who build the server-side systems that power modern applications. Whether you’re an experienced professional or looking to advance your career, our IT recruitment specialists can help you find the perfect Back End Developer role with leading technology companies across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and beyond.

Why choose Younity as your recruitment partner for Back End Developer roles?

At Younity, we understand that Back End Developer roles require a unique blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and system architecture knowledge. Our experienced IT recruitment consultants work exclusively with technology companies and have deep insights into what employers are looking for in Back End Developer candidates.

We take the time to understand your technical skills, career aspirations, and preferred work environment. Whether you’re interested in working with cutting-edge cloud technologies, building scalable APIs, or developing enterprise-level systems, we’ll connect you with opportunities that match your expertise and career goals. Our established relationships with IT employers across New Zealand mean we often have access to roles before they’re advertised publicly.

From initial consultation through to contract negotiation, we provide personalised support throughout your job search journey. We’ll help you showcase your technical skills effectively and prepare for technical interviews, ensuring you’re positioned for success in today’s competitive IT job market.

What does a Back End Developer do in IT?

Back End Developers are the architects of the digital world, building and maintaining the server-side systems that power websites, applications, and digital platforms. They work behind the scenes to ensure that when users interact with an application, everything functions smoothly and efficiently.

The core responsibilities of a Back End Developer include designing and developing server-side logic, creating and managing databases, building APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), and ensuring system security and performance. They write code that handles data processing, user authentication, server configuration, and integration with third-party services.

Back End Developers work with various programming languages such as Python, Java, C#, Node.js, Ruby, and PHP, depending on the project requirements and company technology stack. They design database schemas, write complex queries, and optimise database performance to ensure applications can handle large volumes of data efficiently.

A significant part of the role involves building RESTful APIs and microservices that allow different parts of an application to communicate effectively. This includes implementing proper error handling, data validation, and security measures to protect sensitive information and maintain system integrity.

Back End Developers also collaborate closely with Front End Developers, DevOps engineers, and other team members to ensure seamless integration between different system components. They participate in code reviews, troubleshoot system issues, and continuously monitor application performance to identify and resolve bottlenecks.

What’s it like to work in this discipline?

Working as a Back End Developer offers an intellectually stimulating environment where you’re constantly solving complex technical challenges and building systems that can scale to serve thousands or millions of users. The role combines logical thinking with creative problem-solving, as you design elegant solutions to complex business requirements.

The work environment is typically collaborative, with Back End Developers working in agile teams alongside Front End Developers, UX/UI designers, product managers, and quality assurance specialists. Daily activities often include participating in stand-up meetings, code reviews, and technical discussions about system architecture and implementation approaches.

Many Back End Developers appreciate the variety in their work – one day you might be optimising database queries for better performance, the next you could be designing a new API for a mobile application, or implementing security measures to protect user data. The role offers excellent opportunities for continuous learning, as technology stacks and best practices are constantly evolving.

The discipline offers strong job security and career progression opportunities, with experienced Back End Developers often moving into senior developer roles, technical lead positions, or system architecture roles. Many professionals also enjoy the flexibility that comes with strong technical skills, including opportunities for remote work and consulting.

New Zealand’s IT industry particularly values Back End Developers who can work with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as many companies are modernising their infrastructure and adopting cloud-native approaches to application development.

What qualifications or experience does this role benefit from?

Back End Developer roles typically benefit from a strong foundation in computer science principles and practical programming experience. While formal qualifications aren’t always mandatory, they provide valuable theoretical knowledge and demonstrate commitment to the field.

Formal Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Canterbury or University of Auckland
Software Engineering qualifications from recognised New Zealand universities
Information Technology or related computing degrees
Relevant diplomas from polytechnics or institutes of technology

Technical Skills and Certifications:

Proficiency in server-side programming languages (Python, Java, C#, Node.js, Ruby, PHP)
Database management skills with SQL and NoSQL databases
Experience with cloud platforms and relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
Understanding of API development and RESTful services
Knowledge of version control systems, particularly Git
Familiarity with DevOps practices and containerisation technologies

Practical Experience:

Portfolio of projects demonstrating server-side development skills.
Experience with different frameworks and libraries relevant to your chosen programming language.
Understanding of software development methodologies like Agile or Scrum.
Knowledge of testing frameworks and test-driven development practices.
Experience with system integration and third-party API consumption.

Many successful Back End Developers also benefit from understanding front-end technologies, as this knowledge helps in creating more effective APIs and collaborating with front-end teams. Continuous learning through online courses, coding bootcamps, and staying current with industry trends is highly valued by IT employers.

Preparing a CV or Cover letter for a Full Stack Developer role

When preparing your CV for Back End Developer positions, focus on demonstrating your technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities through concrete examples and measurable achievements.

Technical Skills Section:

List programming languages, frameworks, and databases you’re proficient with.
Include cloud platforms, development tools, and methodologies you’ve used.
Mention any relevant certifications or ongoing professional development.
Highlight experience with version control, testing frameworks, and deployment tools.

Project Experience:

Describe specific projects where you’ve built server-side systems or APIs.
Include details about the technologies used, challenges overcome, and impact achieved.
Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “Optimised database queries resulting in 40% performance improvement”).
Mention any experience with scalability, security implementation, or system integration.

Professional Experience:

Focus on roles where you’ve developed server-side applications or worked with databases
Highlight collaboration with cross-functional teams and any mentoring experience
Include any experience with code reviews, technical documentation, or system architecture decisions
Mention involvement in the full software development lifecycle

Cover Letter Tips:

Research the company’s technology stack and mention relevant experience.
Demonstrate understanding of their business challenges and how your skills can contribute.
Include specific examples of how you’ve solved similar technical problems.
Show enthusiasm for learning new technologies and staying current with industry trends.
Mention any experience with agile methodologies or collaborative development practices.

Remember to tailor your application to each specific role, highlighting the most relevant experience and technologies mentioned in the job description. Include links to your GitHub profile or portfolio to showcase your coding abilities and project work.