Engineer

Mō te tūnga | About the role
As an Engineer within the Cloud Operations team, you'll help deliver, support and continuously improve the cloud and infrastructure services that underpin the New Zealand Defence Force.
Working as part of an agile product team, you'll contribute to the implementation, support and enhancement of cloud technologies used across NZDF. You'll work closely with product teams, operational support teams, customers and vendors to ensure critical services remain secure, reliable and fit for purpose. Key responsibilities include: * Supporting and maintaining cloud and infrastructure services. * Investigating and resolving incidents, problems and service requests. * Implementing new solutions and product enhancements. * Contributing to automation, infrastructure-as-code and continuous improvement initiatives. * Working with stakeholders to improve service performance, resilience and customer experience. * Maintaining system documentation and operational procedures. There may also be opportunities to participate in an on-call roster in the future, for which appropriate compensation is provided. 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. Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
We're looking for an engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges, learning new technologies, and working collaboratively to deliver secure and reliable digital services for NZDF.
You'll bring experience in several of the following: * Microsoft technologies including Windows Server and Active Directory. * Microsoft Azure and cloud-based infrastructure services. * Infrastructure as Code (IaC) methodologies and tools. * Scripting and automation using technologies such as PowerShell, Bicep or Ansible. * DevOps tools and practices, including Azure DevOps and Git-based source control. * Virtualisation technologies such as Hyper-V. * CI/CD pipelines and automation frameworks. * Server monitoring and management platforms. * IP networking concepts and enterprise infrastructure environments. * Linux administration and support. * Identity and Access Management (IAM) technologies. * IT security frameworks, standards and operational practices. Experience working in Agile or DevOps environments, along with relevant qualifications, certifications, or equivalent practical experience will be advantageous. Microsoft Azure certifications such as Azure Fundamentals or Azure Administrator are highly regarded.
Alongside your technical capability, you'll be a proactive team player who communicates effectively, builds strong relationships, and is committed to continuous improvement. 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. Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Applications close on Monday 31 August 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.