Technical Lead, Technology & Data

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government seeks Technical Leads to turn strategic IT visions into secure, scalable systems across national security domains. You will design, build, and manage core technologies, partnering with subject matter experts and external vendors to deliver high-value outcomes.

You will thrive leading multi-tenant desktops, data transport, and containerisation initiatives while supporting NZSIS and GCSB mission needs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in IT Engineering, with experience in shared-services or service-provider environments.
• Experience designing secure, scalable infrastructure and platforms.
• Proven track record managing external partners and delivering high-value outcomes.
• Experience with Kubernetes, Windows VDI, or Linux system administration.
• Advantageous to have security clearances or ability to obtain Top Secret (TSS).

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to GCSB and NZSIS domains.
• Design, build, and manage core technologies within your domain.
• Coordinate with internal users, external vendors, and international partners.
• Drive tactical work programs while remaining decisive and adaptable to mission shifts.

Skills

Kubernetes

Windows VDI

Linux system administration

Education

IT Engineering

Job description

Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.We are looking for Technical Leads who love the challenge of turning a strategic vision into a technical reality. Working alongside subject matter experts, you will help to design, build, and manage the core technologies within your domain.

These are unique dual-agency roles, providing technical leadership to both GCSB and NZSIS. You will be tasked with solving complex challenges in your domain, ensuring our tech stack is a perfect blend of high-end security and great user experience. By optimising how we collaborate with internal users, external vendors, and our FVEY partners, you will ensure our tools work flawlessly so our people can focus on the mission.

If you have experience in the following, we want to hear from you:

• Containerisation: experience providing the strategic vision to design and manage secure, world-class container platforms that enable seamless collaboration with internal teams and international partners.
• Multi-Tenanted Desktop: experience leading the design of a secure, high-performance desktop environment that empowers users and ensures seamless, compliant connectivity with external vendors and international partners.
• Data Transport: experience providing the strategic leadership to manage core data transport systems, ensuring services are secure, resilient, and perfectly aligned with international partners.

We are looking for talented Technical Leads to join us in various capacities. Whether you are looking for the stability of a permanent role or the flexibility of a fixed-term contract, we have opportunities available to suit.

Ko wai koe – about you

You are a Technical Lead who knows that in our world, good enough is a risk we can't afford. You don't just manage systems; you master them. With a broad background in IT Engineering and specialist knowledge in the domain you will be leading, you have a passion for building the kind of secure, scalable infrastructure and platforms that will empower our agencies to protect New Zealand.

You will thrive in this role if you bring:

• Senior specialist engineering experience in at least one of the following technologies:
• Kubernetes
• Windows VDI and multi-tenanted desktops
• Linux system administration
• A deep background in IT Engineering (5+ years), specifically within the complex dynamics of shared-services or service-provider environments.
• The ability to drive tactical work programs forward while remaining decisive and adaptable when the mission shifts.
• A proven track record of managing external partners and delivering high-value outcomes for diverse stakeholders.
• While not essential, experience in classified/offline environments or a mastery of ITIL will give you a significant advantage.

Ready to step up to a challenge that most engineers will never encounter?

You must:

• Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 yearsORHold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years
• Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks. Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance:http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence, and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career. We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out some of our Security FAQs here:The security clearance process | Beyond Ordinary CareersNew Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service

The expected appointing range for this position is $120,359 - $153,792.