Network Engineer

New Zealand Defence Force; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force in Wellington is establishing a new Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT). As a Network Engineer, you will design, implement and maintain secure network solutions that underpin cyber operations and mission critical systems.

You will deliver advanced network engineering outcomes across NZDF cyber environments, ensuring services are secure, reliable, and aligned with operational requirements. Travel and on-call duties may apply as required.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and implementing enterprise network solutions.
• Strong understanding of network security principles and practices.
• Experience with routing, switching and firewall technologies.
• Knowledge of network segmentation and zero trust concepts.
• Experience troubleshooting complex network environments.
• Familiarity with network automation and scripting tools.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working in complex or highly regulated environments.
• Relevant industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE or equivalent desirable.

Responsibilities

• Designing and configuring secure network architectures.
• Implementing network solutions across secure environments.
• Supporting network resilience, performance and fault resolution.
• Applying network security principles including segmentation and zero trust.
• Collaborating with internal engineers and external partners.
• Contributing to automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Enterprise network design

Network security

Routing & switching

Firewall technologies

Zero trust concepts

Network troubleshooting

Automation & scripting tools

Stakeholder engagement

Working in regulated environments

Education

CCNP

CCIE or equivalent desirable

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

New Zealand Defence Force – Wellington, North Island

We're establishing a new Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT) that will help protect and strengthen critical NZDF digital capabilities. As a Network Engineer, you'll play a key role in designing, implementing and maintaining secure network solutions that underpin cyber operations and mission critical systems.

This is a rare opportunity to join a brand new team and contribute to work that directly supports NZDF's mission and New Zealand's security. You'll work alongside cyber specialists, engineers and delivery professionals to build resilient, scalable and secure network capabilities in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

You will be responsible for delivering advanced network engineering outcomes across NZDF cyber environments, ensuring network services are secure, reliable and aligned with operational requirements. Working within an Agile product team, you'll help shape solutions that support both current and future cyber capabilities.

Please note that this role will require travel to support operational and business requirements. The successful candidate may also be required to participate in an on-call roster in the future as operational requirements evolve.

This will include:

• Designing and configuring secure network architectures.
• Implementing network solutions across secure environments.
• Supporting network resilience, performance and fault resolution.
• Applying network security principles including segmentation and zero trust.
• Collaborating with internal engineers and external partners.
• Contributing to automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Network Engineer to help establish a new cyber capability within NZDF while contributing to work of national significance.

You will be a technically capable and collaborative professional with experience designing and supporting secure network environments. You'll thrive in complex settings, enjoy solving challenging technical problems and have a passion for building resilient, high performing network services.

You will bring:

• Experience designing and implementing enterprise network solutions.
• Strong understanding of network security principles and practices.
• Experience with routing, switching and firewall technologies.
• Knowledge of network segmentation and zero trust concepts.
• Experience troubleshooting complex network environments.
• Familiarity with network automation and scripting tools.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working in complex or highly regulated environments.
• Relevant industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE or equivalent desirable.

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Applications close on Wednesday 2 September 2026.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.