Senior Analyst Tester | Kaitātari Whakamātautau Matua

Statistics New Zealand; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 91,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave (15 days)

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Health/vision/hearing benefits

Corporate rates

Study assistance

Social club

Job summary

Statistics New Zealand is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to drive test strategy and execution for major data platform projects. You will plan and perform functional and non-functional testing, write and maintain automated tests, and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, reliable solutions.

The role requires hands-on testing expertise, strong SQL/Python, and experience with CI/CD and modern data platforms such as Databricks or Snowflake.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in software testing, including Test Automation Engineer or similar role.
• Strong practical knowledge of SQL and Python.
• A solid understanding of testing methodologies, tools and frameworks (Python, Scala, Selenium).
• Hands-on experience building automated testing frameworks using Pytest or similar.
• Experience with CI/CD practices and tools such as Azure DevOps and Git.
• Knowledge of modern cloud-based data platforms (Databricks and/or Snowflake).
• Experience designing, automating, and maintaining integration and regression test suites.
• Knowledge of Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD) and creating maintainable Gherkin scenarios.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders.
• Strong self-management and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of test strategies, plans and approaches for successful project delivery.
• Conduct manual and automated testing to ensure solutions meet business requirements and deliver outcomes.
• Collaborate with project teams to promote quality, continuous improvement, and shared accountability.
• Quickly understand Stats NZ, including business processes, surveys, and data domains.
• Identify, track, and manage defects using testing and defect management tools.
• Conduct test reviews to ensure coverage, quality standards, and alignment with best practices.

Skills

Test automation

SQL

Python

Selenium

CI/CD

Git

Databricks

Snowflake

BDD (Gherkin)

Pytest

Tools

Azure DevOps

Python

Scala

Job description

The role |Tetūnga

Play a key part in building and improving information/data services and processes that help us ensure New Zealanders have quality data and statistics.

• Bring your formal testing experience and passion to contribute to new data platform testing strategies and focus on automation

We're looking for an experienced Senior Test Engineer to join our project team and play a key role in delivering high-quality, user-focused solutions.

In this role, you'll be responsible for planning and executing both functional and non-functional testing across a significant project or programme of work

Working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, you'll partner with a range of stakeholders to ensure solutions are robust, reliable, and fit for purpose.

In this role, you will:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of test strategies, plans, and approaches that support successful project delivery.
• Conduct both manual and automated testing to ensure solutions meet business requirements and deliver intended outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with project teams, fostering a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and shared accountability.
• Quickly develop an understanding of Stats NZ, including relevant business processes, surveys, and data domains.
• Identify, track, and manage defects using appropriate testing and defect management tools.
• Conduct test reviews to ensure appropriate coverage, adherence to quality standards, and alignment with best practices.

We're looking for a motivated and collaborative individual with:

• At least 5 years' experience in software testing, including experience in a Test Automation Engineer or similar role.
• Strong practical knowledge of SQL and Python.
• A solid understanding of testing methodologies, tools, and frameworks such as Python, Scala, and Selenium.
• Hands-on experience building and supporting automated testing frameworks using Pytest or similar tools.
• Experience working with CI/CD practices and tools such as Azure DevOps and Git.
• Knowledge of modern cloud-based data platforms, including Databricks and/or Snowflake.
• Experience designing, automating, and maintaining integration and regression test suites.
• Knowledge of Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD) practices and helping teams create effective, maintainable Gherkin scenarios.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong self-management skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to work effectively as part of a project team.

What you bring |Nōuterourou

We recognise that valuable skills can come from both paid and unpaid work. You might have gained experience in education, hospitality, technology, public service,the marae,or the arts. You might have experience from community involvement, volunteering, or whānau responsibilities. We welcome and value all forms of transferable skills. Please bring your full unique self to your application.

Forallour roles,we’relooking for people who:

• Act with integrity, take responsibility, and dowhat’sright even whenit’shard.
• Understand the ‘why’ behind their work and focus on delivering real value.
• Stay curious and open to learning, seeing challenges aschancesto grow.
• Build respectful and inclusive relationships, grounded in care for others.
• Work collaboratively across boundaries and contribute to collective outcomes.

Wedon’texpect you to know everything. What matters is your genuine interest, commitment, and readiness to grow with us. Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ.

Stats NZTataurangaAotearoa is the National Statistics Office, leading the way in data and insights. While this is our focus,it’sour people who are central to everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and experiences,recognisingthat our work is strengthened by the people behind it.

The data and insights we produce help shape decisions across government, communities, and businesses, and playsan important rolein telling the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mahi supports informed decision making at both national and local levels, helping improve outcomes for people, the economy, and the environment.

We’reproudof the role we play in guiding and strengthening the data system, with a goalof deliveringhigh qualitydata withequitableaccess for all.

What’s in it for you? |Ngāhuakariroki akoe

• 15dayssick leave allowance (to be used for yourself or people under your care).
• Funded counselling and coaching through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Visual and hearing health benefits
• Corporate rates for a variety of services and products.
• Studyassistanceprogrammes.
• An activesocialclubin each office.

Starting salary for this position:$90,599 - $122,575+kiwisaver

Job level(s) 4-6 years experience, 7+ years experience