Special Operations Cyber Threat Engineer

CGR Services; Auckland; On-site; NZD 97,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Will services

Mortgage guidance

Job summary

NZDF is seeking a highly skilled Cyber Threat Engineer in Auckland to identify, analyse, and mitigate cyber threats across sensitive environments. You will support secure cyber capabilities and work with Defence, Government, and international partners to protect critical information systems.

The role combines threat detection, incident response, security engineering, and R&D, with limited offsite work and a need for security clearance.

Qualifications

• Proactive cyber security professional with ability to think critically.
• Experience in monitoring, detecting, and mitigating cyber threats.
• Strong collaboration with diverse stakeholders across government and partners.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, investigate, and respond to cyber security threats, incidents, and vulnerabilities.
• Lead detection and analysis of cyber attacks and suspicious network activity.
• Develop, implement, and maintain 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 stakeholders and allied partners.
• Provide expert cyber security advice to technical and operational teams.
• Contribute to cyber projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Cyber security monitoring

Threat detection

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder communication

Critical thinking

Education

Information Security degree

Tools

SIEM

IDS/IPS

Endpoint protection

Network packet analysis

Virtualisation

Windows

Linux

UNIX

Databases

Microsoft technologies

Job description

Mō te tūnga | About the role

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.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

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.

Special Operations Cyber Threat Engineer Auckland, NZ, NZ