Principal Geospatial Engineer

New Zealand Government; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 148,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Life insurance

Income protection and critical illness

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is seeking a Principal Geospatial Engineer to lead enterprise geospatial capabilities across the transport network in New Zealand. You will influence strategy, mentor engineers, and partner with senior leaders and external partners to deliver scalable, secure, and resilient geospatial solutions.

You will also guide the Geospatial Community of Practice, shape talent development, and ensure delivery across squads and programs while contributing to enterprise data

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering enterprise geospatial solutions and web mapping using ESRI technologies.
• Experience mentoring and developing technical specialists to build organisational capability.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and provide trusted technical advice on complex decisions.
• Experience managing and supporting enterprise geospatial platforms and services.
• Experience with ArcGIS Enterprise and modern geospatial technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead geospatial engineering across NZTA transport system and act as a trusted technical authority.
• Partner with senior leaders, delivery teams and external partners to ensure scalable, secure geospatial solutions.
• Lead the Geospatial Community of Practice to share knowledge and drive continuous improvement across squads and programs.
• Coach and mentor engineers to grow capability across the organisation and improve technical practice.

Skills

Enterprise geospatial solutions

Web mapping applications

ESRI technologies

Mentoring and coaching

Stakeholder engagement

ArcGIS Enterprise

Spatial databases

ETL processes (FME)

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Tools

FME

ArcGIS

Job description

Shape the future of geospatial engineering at NZTAMentor and uplift our fantastic geospatial team engineeringPermanent, full-time position - Can be based in any NZTA office location

A rare opportunity to influence how geospatial engineering is managed, governed and leveraged across the New Zealand's transport system. You will help shape enterprise capability, drive innovation, and provide trusted advice on some of NZTA's most important geospatial initiatives

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

At NZTA, geospatial information plays a critical role in helping us understand, manage and improve New Zealand's transport network. As Principal Geospatial Engineer, you'll operate as a trusted technical authority, partnering with senior leaders, delivery teams and external partners to ensure geospatial solutions are scalable, secure, resilient and fit for the future.

Beyond technical leadership, you'll play a key role in growing NZTA's geospatial engineering capability. You'll help shape the next generation of talent by coaching and mentoring and influencing technical practice. You will also lead our Geospatial Community of Practice, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation and continuous improvement across squads, programs 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 geospatial data 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.

• Extensive experience delivering enterprise geospatial solutions and web mapping applications using ESRI technologies
• 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
• Strong experience managing and supporting enterprise geospatial platforms and services
• Expertise across ArcGIS Enterprise and modern geospatial technologies
• Experience with spatial databases and enterprise data platforms
• Experience building and supporting ETL processes, ideally using FME
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to translate technical concepts into clear business outcomes
• 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.

Rá Katinga | Applications close

Applications close:13 September 2026

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

NZTA| 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.

We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.