Test and Automation Engineer

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes

Financial guidance

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is establishing a Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT). As a Test and Automation Engineer, you will develop automated testing and validation capabilities to support secure and resilient digital services across NZDF.

You will work with cyber specialists and engineers to strengthen delivery outcomes and security assurance. You may travel to support operations and be on an on-call roster in the future as needs evolve.

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.

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 tools

SDLC testing practices

Automated test scripts

DevSecOps / CI-CD pipelines

Threat modelling / security

Automation scripting

Analytical problem solving

Stakeholder communication

Agile delivery

Job description

Mō te tūnga | About the role

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.

• 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.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

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.

Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

Please Note: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 ClearanceYou must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.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.You must have a ten (10) year background history 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.