Test and Automation Engineer

New Zealand Defence Force; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force in Wellington seeks a Test and Automation Engineer to build automated testing and validation capabilities for NZDF cyber operations. You’ll help ensure security, resilience, and quality across software supporting cyber operations, joining a cross-disciplinary team of cyber specialists, engineers, and technologists.

The role focuses on designing and maintaining automated tests, integrating security validation in the SDLC, and developing scripts to boost testing

Qualifications

• Experience with automated testing tools, frameworks and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle and testing practices.
• Experience developing and maintaining automated test scripts.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines and modern delivery practices.
• Understanding of threat modelling, vulnerability assessment or cyber security principles.
• Experience working with automation and scripting tools.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working within agile delivery environments desirable.

Responsibilities

• Designing and maintaining automated test frameworks and validation processes.
• Integrating testing and security validation into the software development lifecycle.
• Developing automated scripts to improve testing efficiency and repeatability.
• Supporting threat modelling, vulnerability assessment and compliance activities.
• Working with stakeholders to define and execute testing requirements.
• Maintaining testing documentation and supporting release readiness.

Skills

Automated testing

SDLC understanding

Automated test scripts

DevSecOps / CI/CD

Threat modelling / cyber security

Automation scripting

Analytical problem solving

Communication / stakeholder engagement

Agile delivery

Testing frameworks

Tools

CI/CD tools

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

New Zealand Defence Force – Wellington, North Island

We're establishing a new Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT) that will help protect and strengthen critical NZDF digital capabilities. As a Test and Automation Engineer, you'll help ensure the security, resilience and quality of systems supporting NZDF cyber operations.

This is an opportunity to join a newly established team and work alongside cyber specialists, engineers and technology professionals supporting secure and resilient digital services across NZDF.

You will be responsible for developing automated testing and validation capabilities that support the software development lifecycle, helping to identify issues early, strengthen security assurance and improve delivery outcomes. Working as part of a collaborative team, you'll contribute technical expertise across testing, automation and compliance activities.

This will include:

• Designing and maintaining automated test frameworks and validation processes
• Integrating testing and security validation into the software development lifecycle
• Developing automated scripts to improve testing efficiency and repeatability
• Supporting threat modelling, vulnerability assessment and compliance activities
• Working with stakeholders to define and execute testing requirements
• Maintaining testing documentation and supporting release readiness

Please note that this role will require travel to support operational and business requirements. The successful candidate may also be required to participate in an on-call roster in the future as operational requirements evolve.

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced test and automation professional to contribute to secure and resilient cyber capability within NZDF.

You will be a collaborative technical specialist with experience across testing, automation and quality assurance activities. You will enjoy solving complex problems, improving delivery outcomes, and working with multidisciplinary teams to deliver secure and reliable technology solutions.

You will bring:

• Experience with automated testing tools, frameworks and methodologies
• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle and testing practices
• Experience developing and maintaining automated test scripts
• Knowledge of DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines and modern delivery practices
• Understanding of threat modelling, vulnerability assessment or cyber security principles
• Experience working with automation and scripting tools
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience working within agile delivery environments desirable

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – 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.