Test and Automation Engineer

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 104,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Will services

Savings schemes for Defence community

Job summary

NZDF is seeking a Test and Automation Engineer to join the Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT). You will design, implement and maintain automated testing and validation solutions across the software development lifecycle to strengthen security and ensure reliable delivery of cyber capabilities.

You will work with cyber specialists and developers, integrating tests into pipelines and supporting threat modelling, vulnerability assessments and compliance activities.

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

Test frameworks

CI/CD pipelines

DevSecOps

Threat modelling

Automation scripting

Cyber security

Agile delivery

Stakeholder communication

Troubleshooting

Job description

Mo te tunga | About the roleWe have an opportunity for a Test and Automation Engineer to join the Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT), supporting the security, resilience and quality of systems that contribute to NZDF cyber operations.This is an opportunity to work alongside cyber specialists, engineers and technology professionals supporting secure and resilient digital services across NZDF.You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated testing and validation solutions that support the software development lifecycle, helping to identify issues early, strengthen security assurance and improve delivery outcomes.This will include:Designing and maintaining automated test frameworks and validation processesIntegrating testing and security validation into the software development lifecycleDeveloping automated scripts to improve testing efficiency and repeatabilitySupporting threat modelling, vulnerability assessment and compliance activitiesWorking with stakeholders to define and execute testing requirementsMaintaining testing documentation and supporting release readinessPlease 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.The appointing range for this role is $104,214 -$115,131, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and ExperienceThis 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 methodologiesStrong understanding of the software development lifecycle and testing practicesExperience developing and maintaining automated test scriptsKnowledge of DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines and modern delivery practicesUnderstanding of threat modelling, vulnerability assessment or cyber security principlesExperience working with automation and scripting toolsStrong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication and stakeholder engagement skillsExperience working within agile delivery environments desirableNo 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.Nou te rourou | What's in it for youYour 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.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApplications close on Monday 16 November 2026.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.Please Note:All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.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.