Principal Data Engineer

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Auckland; On-site; NZD 148,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working

Insurance - Life/Income Protection/CI

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to act as an enterprise technical leader, shaping data engineering, governance and delivery across the organisation. You will influence strategy and enable innovation at scale.

Lead the Data Chapter, coach engineers, and drive engineering excellence while growing capability and fostering collaboration across squads and partners. Appointment salary is from $148,480 to $175,580 commensurate with skills and experience.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large-scale enterprise data engineering initiatives.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop technical specialists.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and provide trusted technical advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide enterprise technical direction across data platforms and governance.
• Lead and grow NZTA's data engineering capability through coaching and practice.
• Head the Data Community of Practice to share knowledge and drive improvement.

Skills

Data leadership

Mentoring

Influence executive leaders

SQL

Python/Scala/R

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Databricks

Lakehouse architecture

Cloud data platforms

Job description

• Shape the future of data engineering at NZTA
• Provide enterprise-wide technical leadership across data platforms, governance, and delivery
• Mentor and develop our next generation of data engineering talent
• Permanent, full-time position – Can be based in any NZTA office location

Technical leadership role shaping how data is engineered, governed, and leveraged across NZTA - influence enterprise decisions, enable innovation, and help build the future of data and AI capability across the organisation.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

At NZTA, data is central to how we improve transport outcomes, support decision-making, and deliver services to New Zealanders. As Principal Data Engineer, you'll operate as a trusted enterprise technical leader, providing strategic direction and technical assurance across large, complex, and high-impact programmes.

Beyond technical leadership, you'll play a key role in growing NZTA's data engineering capability. You'll foster a culture of learning, collaboration and engineering excellence across the Data Chapter, coaching and mentoring data engineers, influencing technical practice, and helping shape the next generation of data talent. You'll lead our Data Community of Practice, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation and continuous improvement across squads, programmes and partners.

View the Position Description. Appointment salary is from $148,480 to $175,580 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You're an experienced data engineering leader who combines technical expertise with strategic thinking and organisational influence. You understand how modern data platforms can unlock value at scale and enjoy creating an environment where engineers can thrive.

Ideally, You'll Bring

• Extensive experience leading large-scale enterprise data engineering initiatives
• Proven experience mentoring and developing technical specialists to build organisation capability
• The ability to influence senior leaders and provide trusted technical advice on complex decisions
• Deep expertise in Databricks, modern cloud-based data platforms, and Lakehouse architecture
• Experience designing and delivering solutions that support analytics, AI, machine learning, and business intelligence
• A strong understanding of data governance, security, privacy, and compliance requirements
• Strong capability across SQL and languages such as Python, Scala, or R
• Experience balancing delivery outcomes with long-term platform sustainability and technical debt management
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills

Mō mātou | About us

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) our purpose is transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand. Our Te Aukaha - Digital group helps enable that by providing modern, fit-for-purpose digital, information, and technology services for our people, partners, and customers. We are future-focused, collaborative, and committed to creating better outcomes for Aotearoa.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you’ll get in return

We Offer a Comprehensive Rewards Package Including

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements.
• a free Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance scheme available for permanent employees.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

6 September 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.