Analytics Engineer

New Zealand Government; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato is seeking an analytics engineer to help build a new enterprise data platform on Databricks, turning source data into trusted, business-ready datasets for reporting and AI-enabled insights.

You will work with stakeholders across the university to define data definitions, build dimensional models, and develop a governed semantic layer behind Power BI, Databricks dashboards and Genie.

Qualifications

• At least three years' relevant experience in analytics engineering or BI.
• Strong SQL skills and knowledge of dimensional modelling.
• Experience with Power BI and semantic models.
• Familiarity with DataOps practices and version control.
• Ability to translate data concepts for technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Help shape enterprise data platform using Databricks.
• Migrate reporting and datasets from legacy data warehouse to modern platform.
• Design canonical and dimensional data models.
• Develop governed semantic layer and business context behind Power BI, Databricks dashboards and Genie.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define data definitions and reports.

Skills

3+ years exp

SQL

Dimensional modelling

Power BI

DataOps

Stakeholder comms

AI tools

Databricks

Python

Governance

Tools

Databricks

Power BI

Genie

Python

Job description

Build trusted data on our new Databricks platform, shape enterprise analytics and help transform reporting through modern AI-enabled ways of working.

• Build our new enterprise data platform
• Shape trusted data for reporting and AI
• Modernise analytics with Databricks and AI

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga

About the role

Help shape how the University of Waikato uses data to support better decisions, reporting and insight. Play a central role in building our new enterprise data platform using Databricks. This is a key role at the intersection of data engineering, analytics and business analysis, turning source data into trusted, well-modelled and business-ready datasets. You will work with stakeholders across the University to understand reporting and insight needs, agree the definitions of entities, measures and business terms, and translate these into canonical and dimensional data models. You will also develop the governed semantic layer and business context that sit behind Power BI, Databricks dashboards and natural-language analytics such as Genie. A significant part of the role will be helping migrate reporting and datasets from our legacy data warehouse to the modern platform. You will rebuild existing reporting logic to current standards, rather than simply replicate legacy approaches, ensuring the resulting data is consistent, tested, documented and trusted. This is an opportunity to help establish modern analytics engineering practice within a new enterprise data platform, including the practical use of AI-assisted and agentic ways of working.

Salary will be provided based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based in Hamilton. For more information on the role, please see the position description.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

You will bring experience in analytics engineering, business intelligence, data modelling, business analysis or a similar data-focused role. While the title Analytics Engineer may be less familiar in New Zealand, we are keen to hear from experienced BI Developers, Data Modellers and Senior Data Analysts who have the right transferable skills.

You will have:

• At least three years' relevant experience in analytics engineering, BI, data modelling, business analysis or a related data role.
• Strong SQL skills and solid knowledge of dimensional modelling, including facts, dimensions and star schemas.
• Experience building semantic models or governed measures in platforms such as Power BI.
• Experience applying DataOps practices, such as version control and the structured promotion of code between environments.
• Strong requirements‑gathering and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to agree data definitions and communicate data concepts clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Openness to, and practical use of, AI‑assisted development tools.
• It would be advantageous if you also have experience with Databricks, Microsoft Fabric or Snowflake, layered or Medallion data architectures, Python, data testing and governance, natural‑language analytics or AI‑enabled BI tools such as Databricks Genie.
• Experience designing or building agentic workflows for data or analytics delivery, or relevant industry certification, would also be valuable.

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a modern enterprise data capability from the ground up. You will work across the University to establish trusted data models, governed measures and business context that can be reused across reporting, analytics and emerging AI capabilities. You will be part of a future‑focused team working with modern data technologies while helping the University transition away from its legacy data warehouse. Your work will directly influence how staff access, understand and use institutional data.

Information Technology Services (ITS) leads digital direction, manages and protects the University's digital ecosystem, supports digital initiatives and delivers digital services that enable the University to teach, research and operate successfully in a secure, resilient, connected, sustainable and future‑ready digital environment. ITS is part of the Corporate Services Group within the portfolio of the Chief Operating Officer.

The University of Waikato is a research‑intensive university providing a globally connected, innovative and inclusive student experience, with a commitment to diversity, respect for Indigenous knowledge and high levels of community engagement.

Ko aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future‑focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

Ko Te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world‑class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations, which can be found here.

Applications close on Sunday, 1 November 2026