Senior Artificial Intelligence Engineer

NZ Qualifications Authority Contract; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Qualifications Authority in Wellington invites applications for three Senior Artificial Intelligence Engineers to join a high-calibre team delivering practical and responsible AI solutions for Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system.

You’ll design, build, test and deploy AI solutions spanning Generative AI, NLP, predictive analytics, computer vision and automation to create value for learners and education providers.

Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience in AI engineering, including Generative AI and large language models.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test and deploy AI solutions for education.
• Collaborate with experienced AI, data and technology specialists.
• Contribute to safe, ethical and responsible use of AI in the public sector.
• Work on Generative AI, large language models, NLP, predictive analytics, computer vision and intelligent automation.

Skills

Generative AI

Large language models

Python

SQL

CI/CD

Version control

Production deployment

Responsible AI

Data governance

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree or higher

PhD encouraged

Tools

CI/CD tooling

Job description

NZ Qualifications Authority Contract – Wellington, North Island

Full time, Contract

3d ago , from NZ Qualifications Authority Contract

Senior Artificial Intelligence Engineer (x3)

Help shape the future of AI in education.

NZQA is seeking 3 Senior Artificial Intelligence Engineers to join an established, high-calibre team delivering practical and responsible AI solutions for Aotearoa New Zealand's education system.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on meaningful, real world AI initiatives, including Generative AI, large language models, natural language processing, predictive analytics, computer vision and intelligent automation. You'll help design, build, test and deploy AI solutions that create value for learners, education providers and NZQA.

May the baskets of knowledge (education) be brought into the world of light. We welcome one and all to join us at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

He āhei āu | What you'll bring to the role

• Significant hands-on experience in AI engineering, including Generative AI and large language models.
• Strong software engineering skills, including Python, SQL, version control and CI/CD practices.
• Experience developing, deploying and maintaining AI solutions in production environments.
• Knowledge of responsible AI practices, model evaluation, privacy, security and governance.
• A relevant Master's degree or higher in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics or a related quantitative field. A PhD is highly regarded.
• Be part of a team already delivering practical AI solutions.
• Work on innovative projects that have a meaningful impact on education across New Zealand.
• Collaborate with experienced AI, data and technology specialists.
• Contribute to the safe, ethical and responsible use of AI in the public sector.

Full-time, fixed-term until 30 September 2027

Applications close 5.00pm 22 September 2026.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

If you would like to discuss further, please contact Vipin Kumar ***********@nzqa.govt.nz

NZQA is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.