Senior Data Engineer

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 134,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Life insurance

Income protection

Critical Illness insurance

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advancing its data and analytics journey. We lead the design, build and evolution of enterprise data platforms, pipelines and products to enable better transport outcomes for New Zealanders.

As a Senior Data Engineer, you’ll influence engineering practices, guide modern data product delivery and mentor the Data Chapter, while balancing strategic and hands-on work to ensure scalable, secure, and reliable data solutions across the organisation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing, building and operating enterprise-scale data platforms and pipelines.
• Strong SQL and Python skills with experience delivering on Databricks.
• Experience with modern cloud-based data platforms and Lakehouse/medallion patterns.
• Proven ability delivering analytics, BI, ML and AI use cases.
• Experience in DataOps, automation, observability and operational excellence.
• Knowledge of data governance, privacy, security and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of enterprise data platforms and pipelines across squads.
• Balance technical leadership with hands-on delivery to ensure fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Coach and mentor data engineers to raise technical excellence across the organisation.
• Contribute to standards, patterns and ways of working within the Data Chapter and Community of Practice.

Skills

SQL

Python

Databricks

Cloud platforms

Lakehouse

Medallion architecture

DataOps

Observability

Security & governance

Stakeholder mgmt

Mentoring

Tools

Databricks

Job description

Lead the design and delivery of enterprise data solutions that support decision-making, analytics, and AIPlay a key role in shaping NZTA's modern data platform and engineering practicesCoach and mentor data engineers while influencing technical excellence across the organisationPermanent, full-time position - can be based in any NZTA office locationJoin 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 opportunityAs 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 organisationView the Position Description. Appointment salary is from $133,632 to $163,328 commensurate with skills and experience.Ko koe tenei | About youYou'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 pipelinesAdvanced SQL and Python skills, with strong experience delivering on DatabricksExperience working with modern cloud-based data platforms, Lakehouse and medallion architecture patternsProven capability delivering solutions that support analytics, business intelligence, machine learning and AI use casesExperience applying good engineering disciplines including DataOps, automation, observability and operational excellenceStrong understanding of data governance, privacy, security and compliance requirementsThe ability to influence stakeholders and work effectively across squads, programmes and technical disciplinesExperience identifying and managing technical debt while balancing delivery priorities and platform sustainabilityStrong relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into practical technical solutionsA passion for mentoring others and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and engineering excellenceMo matou | About usAt 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 returnWe offer a comprehensive rewards package including:Competitive salary and benefits package.5 weeks annual leaveFlexible working arrangements.a free Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance scheme available for permanent employees.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to applyPlease click apply to upload your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.Ra Katinga | Applications close8 November 2026For further information, email: [e-mail] be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.NZTA| 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.