Senior Data Engineer

Simple Machines; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Simple Machines is a boutique technology firm delivering data platforms and AI-driven solutions for clients worldwide. We hire senior engineers who blend data engineering with software practices to transform data into actionable outcomes.

This role emphasizes problem-solving, cloud-native architectures, and collaborative client engagements. The Senior Data Engineer will design real-time pipelines, implement data mesh, and work directly with clients to shape data strategy while growing

Qualifications

• Senior Data Engineer with hands-on experience building real-time data pipelines and data mesh architectures.
• Strong programming and software engineering fundamentals; production-quality code.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP and/or Azure) and data modelling, data warehouses, and databases.

Responsibilities

• Design and build data platforms, pipelines, and integrations customized to each client.
• Develop batch and real-time data processing at scale.
• Work with clients to understand requirements and guide data architecture best practices.
• Rapidly learn and adapt to new cloud platforms, tools, and frameworks as projects demand.
• Help client teams build capability by sharing knowledge and establishing good engineering practices.
• Contribute to security, governance, and quality across delivered solutions.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Python

Cloud platforms

SQL & data warehousing

CI/CD & IaC

Communication skills

Curiosity & adaptability

Education

CS or related degree

Tools

AWS

GCP

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Simple Machines is a leading independent boutique technology firm with a global presence, including teams in Sydney, New Zealand,Londonand Poland. Wespecialisein creating technology solutions at the intersection of Data Engineering, SoftwareEngineeringand AI.

We are a team of creative engineers and technologists dedicated to unleashing the potential of data in new and impactful ways. We design and build bespoke data platforms and unique software products, create and deploy intelligent systems, and bring engineeringexpertiseto life by transforming data into actionable insights and tangible outcomes. We work with enterprises, scale-ups, and government to turn messy, high-value data into products, platforms, and decisions thatactually movethe needle.

Wedon'tdogeneric. We build things that matter.

We engineer data to life™

Requirements

The Senior Data Engineer at Simple Machines is a dynamic, hands-on role focused on building real-time data pipelines and implementing data mesh architectures to enhance client data interactions. This position blends deep technicalexpertisein modern data engineering methods with a client-facing consulting approach, enabling clients to effectively manage and use their data. Within a team of top-tier engineers, the role includes developing greenfield data solutions that deliver tangible business outcomes across various environments.

We value adaptability and strong engineering fundamentals over narrow specialisation. Whether your background is in data engineering, software engineering, or both, what matters most is that you're a sharp problem-solver who can pick up new tools and technologies quickly. If you're a software engineer with strong experience in cloud architecture and databases and are looking to move into the data engineering and AI space, then this is an ideal opportunity to make that transition with the support of an experienced team around you.

WhatYou'llDo

• Design and build data platforms, pipelines, and integrations tailored to each client's environment and objectives.
• Develop batch and real-time data processing solutions at scale.
• Work directly with clients to understand their requirements, shape expectations, and advise on best practices for data architecture and engineering.
• Rapidly learn and adapt to new cloud platforms, tools, and frameworks as projects demand.
• Help client teams build capability by sharing knowledge and establishing good engineering practices.
• Contribute to security, governance, and quality across the solutions you deliver.

What You Bring

• Strong data or software engineering fundamentals. You write clean, well-tested, production-quality code.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages, ideally including Python.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP and/or Azure) and comfort working with cloud-native services.
• Strong experience with SQL, databases and/or data warehouses, data modelling, and data storage patterns.
• Exposure to containerisation, CI/CD, and infrastructure-as-code concepts.
• Excellent communication skills. You can translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders, understand client needs, and shape realistic expectations.
• A curious, adaptable mindset. You enjoy learning new technologies and thrive in varied project environments.

Experience

• 5+ years of professional experience in data engineering, software engineering, or a closely related field.
• Consulting or professional services experience is a bonus, but not essential – we're happy to help you develop those skills if you have strong communication skills.
• Degree or equivalent experience in computer science or related field.