Senior Data Engineer - Multiple opportunities
Date: 14 May 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Two-year secondment/fixed-term positions
• Wellington based
If you enjoy building and running modern data platforms that enable better decisions and deliver real outcomes for people, this is a rare opportunity to shape how New Zealand uses data to improve lives over the next decade and beyond.
About us | Mō mātou:
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
MSD – services for the future is a multi-year programme to transform how we operate so we can deliver for New Zealanders and focus our resources and investment on the people who need it. The programme will make significant changes to our underlying systems, processes, and introduce redesigned services that put people first.
The Information, Data, and Analytics team is leading an ambitious work programme to uplift our data and information capabilities to support the Transformation initiatives, while also establishing Enterprise level standards for BAU. MSD operates within a highly complex data environment, and our focus is on creating the foundations that allow data to be managed deliberately and consistently over time. This includes developing an enterprise data model, strengthening stewardship and governance, embedding a standardised data quality framework, and establishing master data management practices.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
• Build and operate core data platforms – administer and optimise Snowflake, AirFlow and SAS Grid to deliver scalable, reliable enterprise analytics platforms.
• Engineer end to end data pipelines – design transformations using dbt, orchestrate workflows with Airflow, and apply strong testing and DataOps practices.
• Enable cloud scale, self service analytics – apply modern data warehousing patterns, automation, and DevOps principles to support trusted data products across MSD.
• Lead through engineering impact – mentor engineers, collaborate with analysts and stakeholders, and deliver data solutions that directly support better decisions for New Zealanders.
Our organisation is undergoing a high level of change, and we need Senior Data Engineers who have a strong drive for change, and experience with platform administration. We are looking for a hybrid skill set that combines software engineering, data architecture, data engineering and cloud expertise, who can work collaboratively to build and maintain scalable, reliable, and self-service data platforms and data products.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
To be successful you will need to be able to demonstrate:
• Experience administering Snowflake, SAS Viya and SAS Grid.
• Experience in using dbt Core for transformation, test cases
• Experience in using Airflow for orchestration
• Proficiency in languages such as SQL, Python (for automation, scripting and data manipulation)
• Knowledge of modern data warehousing architecture
• Knowledge of Dev/Ops or DataOps principles, practices and tools
• Experience providing mentoring and support to the professional development of less experienced engineers.
• An aptitude for analytical enquiry and the ability to analyse business data to extract information, analyse trends and correlative relationships
• Ability to identify strategic and operational issues and opportunities.
• Ability to provide high-quality, balanced analysis and advice on complex issues within tight timeframes, manage multiple priorities, and solve problems effectively.
• Strategic thinking and strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and political awareness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, flexibility, and a pragmatic approach, with a strong client focus and business acumen.
• Excellent relationship management skills – able to develop and maintain effective working relationships across varied stakeholder groups.
• A commitment to diversity and creating an inclusive workplace where differences are respected and valued.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $119,586.00 - $145,235.00
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: Wednesday 27th May, 2026.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai:
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
