Senior Data Engineer

University of Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato is building a new enterprise data platform. You will design, build and operate production data pipelines using Databricks on Azure, bringing data from university systems into the platform and connecting data back to source applications.

As a senior data engineer, you will mentor engineers, shape data engineering standards, apply modern practices, and help grow AI-assisted development tools across the team, delivering secure and scalable data solutions for analytics and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Build and operate production data pipelines that bring data from University systems into the new platform.
• Lead complex data integration and legacy data warehouse migration work.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to engineering standards and best practices.

Skills

5+ years data engineering

SQL

Python

DataOps

Databricks

Azure

data modelling

complex data integration

migration

mentoring

AI-assisted development tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Databricks

Azure

Snowflake

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

Build 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.

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 Sunday November 1, 2026
Requisition number:1003948