Special Operations Cyber Threat Engineer

New Zealand Defence Force; Auckland; On-site; NZD 97,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force in Auckland seeks a Special Operations Cyber Threat Engineer to monitor, detect, and mitigate cyber threats across sensitive environments within SONOC. You will lead incident response, threat research, and security engineering across networking, systems, and cloud domains, coordinating with Defence, government, and international partners.

The role requires 3–5 years in information security, relevant qualifications, and the ability to obtain high‑level security

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in information security or related environments.
• Experience with security infrastructure, network operations, and incident management.
• Qualification in Information Security, Cyber Security, CS, Engineering, or related discipline; industry certifications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, investigate, and respond to cyber threats, incidents, and vulnerabilities.
• Lead the detection and analysis of cyber attacks and suspicious activity.
• Support development and maintenance of secure network and security solutions.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, threat research, and intelligence analysis.
• Develop cyber capabilities across networking, systems, cloud, and emerging tech.
• Collaborate with internal, government, and international partners.
• Provide expert cyber security advice to technical and non‑technical teams.
• Contribute to cyber projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

SIEM

Threat detection

Incident response

Network security

Windows/Linux

UNIX

Threat research

Documentation

Education

Information Security

Computer Science

Engineering

Tools

Job description

Special Operations Cyber Threat Engineer

New Zealand Defence Force – Auckland, North Island

This incredibly unique opportunity sits in our 1NZSAS Regt based at Papakura Military Camp, where Unit tasks are focused, often discreet operations of an unorthodox and frequently high-risk nature.

The roles plays a critical role supporting the security, resilience, and development of specialist operational networks. Working within the Special Operations Network Operations Centre (SONOC), this role focuses on identifying, analysing, and mitigating cyber threats across highly sensitive environments while contributing to the design and enhancement of secure cyber capabilities.

The position combines cyber threat detection, security engineering, incident response, research and development, and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will work alongside Defence, Government, and international partners to protect critical information systems, strengthen cyber resilience, and provide specialist technical advice that supports operational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, investigate, and respond to cyber security threats, incidents, and vulnerabilities.
• Lead the detection and analysis of cyber attacks and suspicious network activity.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of secure network and security solutions.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, threat research, and intelligence analysis.
• Develop and enhance cyber capabilities across networking, systems, cloud, communications, and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, government agencies, and allied partners.
• Provide expert cyber security advice and recommendations to technical and operational teams.
• Contribute to cyber projects, capability development, and continuous improvement initiative

The salary for this role ranges from $97,344 to $107,485, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Please note:As this role requires a high level of security clearance, you will need to be / have been a NZ, UK, Australian, Canadian or USA citizen for a minimum of 15 years to be eligible for this role.

The successful candidate is required to undergo a psychological assessment as part of the pre-employment security vetting process.

Due to the nature of this role, there is very limited options to work offsite.

The ideal candidate is a proactive and adaptable cyber professional who can think critically, operate effectively in complex environments, and communicate confidently with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. They demonstrate initiative, sound judgement, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Technical Skills need to be successful in this role :

• Strong knowledge of cyber security monitoring and detection technologies, including SIEM, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection, network packet analysis, and advanced threat detection tools.
• Comprehensive understanding of cyber threats, attack methodologies, and security infrastructure.
• Expertise in network protocols, operating systems (Windows, Linux, UNIX), databases, and Microsoft technologies.
• Knowledge of virtualisation technologies, systems administration, networking, and infrastructure security.
• Ability to analyse complex technical information, identify trends, investigate incidents, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience working in information security, cyber security, or complex information systems environments.
• Demonstrated experience in systems support, operations, engineering, or development.
• Practical experience with security infrastructure, network operations, and cyber incident management.
• Experience producing technical documentation, reports, and recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in high-pressure environments.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Information Security, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Relevant industry certifications in cyber security, networking, infrastructure, or systems administration are highly desirable.
• Experience supporting WAN/LAN environments and security infrastructure.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

• Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection.
• Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community.
• Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services.
• Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Applications close on Thursday 8 October 2026.

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand Citizen for at least the last ten (10) years.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• To obtain this level of clearance, you must have a background history of fifteen (15) years that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.