Principal Systems Engineer

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across enterprise platforms and to shape secure, scalable digital services for NZTA. You will guide decisions with Platform Leads and Product Owners, influence technology roadmaps, mentor engineers, and drive continuous improvement through Agile and DevOps practices.

This role blends hands‑on engineering with strategic leadership while growing engineering capability and fostering collaboration

Qualifications

• Experienced systems engineering leader with deep infrastructure, cloud, and platform operations expertise.
• Strong strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery and mentoring experience.
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement through modern engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of enterprise technology solutions
• Drive platform reliability across cloud and on‑prem environments
• Provide leadership during complex incidents and outages
• Champion Agile, DevOps, and continuous improvement practices
• Influence technology roadmaps and engineering direction
• Mentor engineers and strengthen technical capability
• Collaborate across teams to deliver secure, scalable services

Skills

Senior leadership

Cloud expertise

Infrastructure

Agile/DevOps

Stakeholder engagement

Systems engineering

Job description

• Lead our Engineering Chapter as a Principal Systems Engineer
• Your expertise will contribute to future proofing infrastructural innovation
• Auckland, Palmerston North or Wellington locations

We are strengthening technical and craft leadership across our Technology Chapters, with greater depth of expertise and stronger support for our people and delivery. These opportunities strengthen technical direction, mentoring and craft development, while building the leadership capacity needed for more effective workforce planning and capability development.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As Principal Systems Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across critical enterprise platforms, shaping the design and delivery of secure, scalable, and reliable solutions that support NZTA's digital services. Working across cloud and on-premises environments, you will influence technical direction, resolve complex issues, and help ensure platforms remain resilient, efficient, and fit for the future.

This role combines hands‑on engineering expertise with strategic influence. You’ll work closely with Platform Leads, Product Owners, and delivery teams to guide technical decision‑making, contribute to technology roadmaps, support service integrity, and drive continuous improvement through modern engineering, Agile, and DevOps practices.

Beyond technical delivery, you will play a key role in growing engineering capability across NZTA. Through mentoring, coaching, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, you’ll help build a high‑performing team while championing best practice, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.

You Will

• Lead the design and delivery of enterprise technology solutions
• Drive platform reliability across cloud and on‑prem environments
• Provide leadership during complex incidents and critical outages
• Champion Agile, DevOps, and continuous improvement practices
• Influence technology roadmaps and engineering direction
• Mentor engineers and strengthen technical capability
• Collaborate across teams to deliver secure, scalable services

You will find out more about the role here – Position Description

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You’re an experienced systems engineering leader with deep expertise across infrastructure, cloud technologies, and platform operations within complex enterprise environments. Combining strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach, you’re passionate about solving complex technical challenges, mentoring engineers, and driving continuous improvement through modern engineering and Agile practices.

You Will Bring

• Proven experience in senior technical leadership roles
• Strong infrastructure, systems engineering, and cloud expertise
• Advanced problem‑solving and troubleshooting capabilities
• Experience operating within large and complex technology environments
• Strong knowledge of Agile, DevOps, and continuous improvement practices
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and collaboration skills
• The ability to balance competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public service.

Mō mātou | About us

The Chief Technology Office (CTO) is a strategic business enabler within NZTA, providing the digital skills, capabilities, platforms and leadership needed to support our operational performance, regulatory responsibilities and future transport vision.

The CTO helps ensure our digital investments, platforms and services align with organisational priorities and deliver value across NZTA. It plays an important role in enabling efficient service delivery, improving customer experience, managing risk and supporting long‑term planning.

As part of Te Aukaha | Digital, you’ll contribute to improving our services and decision‑making and providing modern, fit‑for‑purpose digital, information and technology solutions for our people, partners and customers.

The Principal System Engineer supports the smooth operation and enhancement of digital platforms while contributing to system development. Responsibilities include assisting in platform management, implementing features, focusing on automation, and collaborating across departments to meet business needs. The role requires technical skills, a willingness to learn, and hands‑on development experience.

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

Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of NZTA’s technology platforms, influencing enterprise‑wide engineering direction while growing technical capability and delivering meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders.

In Addition, You’ll Benefit From

• Flexible working arrangements that support work‑life balance
• Five weeks annual leave
• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• A collaborative and inclusive culture committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders

If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, mentoring others, and driving continuous improvement through modern engineering practices, we’d love to hear from you.

Rā Katinga | Applications close

18 November 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.