Mo te tunga | About the role

Join more-than 15,000 New Zealanders working for the NZ Defence Force and directly contribute to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Command, Control and Intelligence team plans, develops, integrates and sustains the products that enable effective mission command of NZDF operations and supports access to intelligence. The products delivered by this team are critical in supporting NZDF personnel to be prepared, agile and interoperable.

As a Senior Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and act as an escalation point for incidents, problems, and change implementation. You will contribute to the development of new products and enhancements within a DevOps environment and collaborate with other product teams to deliver shared outcomes.

This will include:

• Coaching and supporting team members in the use of internal processes, while providing technical leadership and guidance
• Leading and supporting the resolution of major incidents and operational issues
• Maintaining a strong understanding of current and future architecture to ensure solutions align with technology strategy and standards.

This team participates in an on-call roster. Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there may be a requirement to go on an on-call roster for which you will be compensated.

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 10 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.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced Senior Engineer who is comfortable working in an ambiguous environment, able to provide leadership, adapt to change, and make sound technical decisions. Ideally, you will have the following:

• Microsoft and UNIX/Linux platforms, including virtualisation and Citrix technologies
• Networking experience
• Database technologies (Sybase, Oracle, PostgreSQL)
• In-depth understanding of the product lifecycle and/or Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) in an agile context
• Understanding of the SAFe agile methodology
• Knowledge of the implementation and enhancement commercial of Off the Shelf and Bespoke Government off the shelf applications
• Experience in IT change, configuration, and capacity management, with a strong agile mindset
• Strong problem assessment and diagnostic skills
• A collaborative approach, with a willingness to share knowledge and learnings
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively with both technical and operational stakeholders.
• Automation tooling eg ansible and other similar complementary toolsets such as GIT and NEXUS

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.

This role requires occasional domestic and/or international travel. You need to have a Class 1 Full Driver's Licence.

Nou 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.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Tuesday 14 July 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 Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand Citizen for at least the last ten (10) years.
• 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.
• To obtain this level of clearance, you must have a background history of fifteen (15) years 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.