Senior Data Engineer

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 134,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Life, Income Protection and Critical-2

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to lead the design and delivery of enterprise data solutions that support decision‑making, analytics and AI. You'll be a senior technical specialist within our Data Chapter, shaping the modern data platform and engineering practices.

You will balance hands‑on delivery with strategic leadership, design data products and pipelines across squads, mentor engineers, and contribute to standards and patterns that lift performance

Qualifications

• Significant enterprise data platform design/delivery experience.
• Advanced SQL and Python with Databricks exposure.
• Experience with cloud-based data platforms and lakehouse patterns.
• Proven ability delivering analytics, BI, ML and AI use cases.
• Experience applying DataOps, automation, observability and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of enterprise data solutions that support decision-making, analytics, and AI.
• Shape NZTA's modern data platform and engineering practices.
• Coach and mentor data engineers while influencing technical excellence across the organisation.
• Design and deliver modern data products and pipelines across squads and programmes.
• Develop capability across the Data Community of Practice and contribute to standards and patterns.

Skills

SQL

Python

Databricks

Cloud data platforms

Lakehouse architecture

Medallion architecture

Data governance

Observability

DataOps

Mentoring

Tools

Databricks

Job description

• Lead the design and delivery of enterprise data solutions that support decision-making, analytics, and AI
• Play a key role in shaping NZTA's modern data platform and engineering practices
• Coach and mentor data engineers while influencing technical excellence across the organisation
• Permanent, full-time position – can be based in any NZTA office location

Join NZTA at a pivotal time in our digital and data journey. Design, build and evolve the data platforms, pipelines and products that enable better transport outcomes for New Zealanders.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As a Senior Data Engineer, you'll be a senior technical specialist within our Data Chapter, leading complex delivery initiatives and helping establish engineering practices that support scalable, secure and reliable data solutions.

You'll work across squads, programmes and stakeholders to design and deliver modern data products and pipelines, while supporting the ongoing evolution of our enterprise data platform. You'll balance technical leadership with hands‑on delivery, ensuring solutions are fit for purpose today while supporting NZTA's future data, analytics and AI ambitions.

You'll also play an important role in developing capability across the Data Community of Practice, sharing knowledge, coaching engineers and contributing to standards, patterns and ways of working that lift performance across the organisation.

View the Position Description. Appointment salary is from $133,632 to $163,328 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You're an experienced data engineering professional who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing technical outcomes and helping others succeed. You combine strong engineering expertise with a practical delivery mindset and are comfortable working across both strategic and operational challenges.

Ideally, You'll Bring

• Significant experience designing, building and operating enterprise‑scale data platforms and pipelines
• Advanced SQL and Python skills, with strong experience delivering on Databricks
• Experience working with modern cloud‑based data platforms, Lakehouse and medallion architecture patterns
• Proven capability delivering solutions that support analytics, business intelligence, machine learning and AI use cases
• Experience applying good engineering disciplines including DataOps, automation, observability and operational excellence
• Strong understanding of data governance, privacy, security and compliance requirements
• The ability to influence stakeholders and work effectively across squads, programmes and technical disciplines
• Experience identifying and managing technical debt while balancing delivery priorities and platform sustainability
• Strong relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into practical technical solutions
• A passion for mentoring others and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and engineering excellence

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.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

8 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.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.