Build real AI solutions. Work with the latest AI development tools. Help shape a new AI practice.
About the role
Layer3 is looking for an AI Development Engineer to help establish and grow our new AI & Automation practice.
We're taking an agent-first approach to software development, using tools such as Claude Code and OpenAI Codex to change how applications, integrations and automations are built.
We're looking for someone who is already embracing this way of working and wants to apply it to real business problems.
You'll work directly with our clients to understand how their businesses operate, identify opportunities for AI and automation, and design and deliver practical solutions that make a measurable difference.
This is a hands-on development role with plenty of variety. One day you might be building an AI agent to automate a business process; the next, integrating systems, developing an application or demonstrating a working solution to a client.
You'll also help us establish the tools, processes and reusable solutions that will support the growth of our AI practice.
What you'll be doing
Work with clients to understand their business processes and identify opportunities for AI and automation.
Design, build and deploy AI agents, applications and integrations using OpenAI, Anthropic and other AI technologies.
Use Claude Code, OpenAI Codex and other AI coding agents as a core part of your development workflow.
Build backend services, APIs, integrations and applications using Python and modern development technologies.
Develop solutions involving RAG, document processing, business workflow automation and AI agents.
Connect AI solutions with Microsoft 365, databases, APIs and third-party business systems.
Manage the technical delivery of assigned projects, including client meetings, progress updates, testing and documentation.
Work alongside our Account Managers to develop proof-of-concepts and demonstrate solutions to clients.
Ensure the applications you build are secure, reliable, tested and maintainable.
Help develop reusable solutions and share your knowledge as our AI practice grows.
About you
You're a capable software developer who is genuinely excited about how AI is changing the way software is built.
You don't just use AI to generate snippets of code. You've embraced AI development agents and understand how to use them effectively to build, test and deliver working applications.
Ideally, you'll have:
Hands-on experience using Claude Code, OpenAI Codex or similar AI coding agents for real development work.
Around 3–5 years of software development, integration or automation experience, or equivalent demonstrated ability.
Experience with OpenAI, Anthropic or other LLM APIs.
Familiarity with databases such as MSSQL and modern web development technologies.
Experience integrating business systems using APIs, webhooks and authentication.
An understanding of Git, testing, debugging and deploying applications.
The ability to review and validate AI-generated code rather than simply accepting its output.
Good communication skills and the confidence to work directly with clients.
A practical approach to problem-solving and the ability to take ownership of your work.
An understanding of security, data privacy and responsible AI development.
Most importantly, you're someone who enjoys understanding how businesses work and finding better ways to get things done.
Bonus skills
C# / .NET, ASP.NET Core or Azure development.
Microsoft Copilot Studio, Power Automate or Microsoft Graph.
Experience building RAG applications, multi-agent workflows or more complex AI solutions.
Experience delivering client workshops, training or helping users adopt new technology.
Previous experience working in an MSP or client-facing IT consultancy.
You don't need to know everything. We're more interested in what you've built, how you use modern AI development tools and your willingness to learn.
About Layer3
Layer3 is a New Zealand-owned managed IT services, cloud and cybersecurity company founded in 2005 and based in Upper Hutt, Wellington.
With a team of around 20 people, we work with businesses throughout New Zealand, helping them get more from technology while keeping their systems and information secure.
We're ISO 27001 certified and have a strong focus on security, innovation and building long-term relationships with our clients.
We're now investing in AI and automation as an important part of our future.
We believe AI can fundamentally improve how businesses operate, from eliminating repetitive tasks to building intelligent agents and applications that transform everyday workflows.
We're looking for someone who wants to help us turn that opportunity into something real.
Why join Layer3?
Help build a new practice. Join at the beginning and influence the tools, technologies and development approaches we use.
Embrace agent-first development. We actively encourage using Claude Code, Codex and other modern AI development tools.
Work on meaningful projects. Solve real business problems across a variety of clients and industries.
Take ownership. Get involved throughout the development lifecycle, from understanding requirements to deploying working solutions.
Learn and grow. Work alongside experienced cloud, infrastructure and cybersecurity engineers in an established technology business.
If you're already using AI agents to build software and want to apply those skills to real businesses, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply, tell us about something you've built using Claude Code, Codex or similar AI tools. We'd particularly like to know what you built, how you used the agents and how you tested the finished result.