Senior Data Engineer

Marketplace; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato in Hamilton is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to build and operate our new enterprise data platform on Azure Databricks. You will design production data pipelines, manage data ingestion, and lead complex integration and migration projects.

You will mentor engineers, apply modern data engineering practices, and contribute to security, testing and governance. This full-time role offers collaboration across ITS and the wider university to enable analytics and AI

Qualifications

• 5+ years of data engineering experience building production cloud data pipelines.
• Strong SQL and Python skills with incremental ingestion and CDC.
• Experience with DataOps, Git, CI/CD, automated testing and secure data solutions.
• Experience with modern cloud data platforms such as Databricks, Snowflake or Fabric; data modeling and complex integration.
• Proven mentoring skills and openness to AI-assisted development tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and operate production data pipelines that ingest data from source systems into the enterprise platform.
• Lead complex data integration and migration efforts including legacy warehouse modernization.
• Mentor and coach engineers; promote best practices and peer review.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across ITS and the wider university to ensure secure, scalable data solutions.

Skills

SQL

Python

DataOps

Databricks

Cloud platforms

Data modeling

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Engineering or related field

Tools

Databricks

Snowflake

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

# Senior Data Engineer at The University of Waikato, Waikato## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this roleBuild and evolve our new enterprise data platform, leading complex data engineering, integration and migration work using Databricks on Azure.* Build and run our new enterprise data platform.* Lead complex data integration and migration.* Mentor others and shape modern data engineering.**Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role**Help shape how the University of Waikato manages, integrates and uses data by playing a key role in building our new enterprise data platform using Databricks on Azure.As a Senior Data Engineer, you will design, build and operate production data pipelines that bring data from University systems into the platform, as well as integrations that connect data back to source and consuming systems. You will lead complex data ingestion, integration and legacy data warehouse migration work, building reliable, secure and scalable solutions that support the University's evolving data needs.You will apply modern data engineering practices to develop and maintain high-quality pipelines, using incremental ingestion, change data capture and automated testing to ensure data solutions are robust and maintainable. Working with colleagues across the Data team and wider University, you will contribute to engineering standards, improve delivery practices and ensure security and privacy are built into solutions from the outset.As a senior member of the team, you will be a point of technical reference, mentor and coach other engineers, and share knowledge through collaboration and peer review. You will also help shape how the team adopts AI-assisted development tools and emerging agentic ways of working, applying curiosity and sound engineering judgement to improve how data solutions are designed and delivered.This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the University's modern data capability, working with contemporary cloud technologies and helping establish practices that support future analytics, reporting and AI initiatives.Salary will be provided based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based in Hamilton.For more information on the role please see the position description.Applications will be considered as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early. All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.**Ko wai koe? - Who are you?**You will bring strong experience in data engineering and a proven ability to design, build and support production data solutions. You will be comfortable working with complex data environments and collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.You will have:* 5+ years' data engineering experience building production cloud data pipelines.* Strong SQL and Python skills, including incremental ingestion and change data capture.* Experience with DataOps, including Git, CI/CD, automated testing and secure data solutions.* Experience with modern cloud data platforms such as Databricks, Microsoft Fabric or Snowflake, data modelling and complex data integration or migration.* Proven mentoring skills and openness to AI-assisted development tools.A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required.**Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?**This is a rare opportunity to help shape a modern enterprise data capability from the ground up. You will play a key technical role in establishing our new data platform and the engineering practices that underpin it.You will be part of a future-focused team working with modern cloud data technologies while helping the University transition away from its legacy data warehouse. Your work will directly influence the reliability, accessibility and scalability of data used across the University for reporting, analytics and emerging AI capabilities.Information Technology Services (ITS) leads digital direction, manages and protects the University's digital ecosystem, supports digital initiatives and delivers digital services that enable the University to teach, research and operate successfully in a secure, resilient, connected, sustainable and future-ready digital environment. ITS is part of the Corporate Services Group within the portfolio of the Chief Operating Officer.The University of Waikato is a research-intensive university providing a globally connected, innovative and inclusive student experience, with a commitment to diversity, respect for Indigenous knowledge and high levels of community engagement.**He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?**We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.**Ko te tangata - For the People**The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.**Applications close on Sunday, 1 November 2026.**Requisition number: 1003948