Senior Data Engineer

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Senior Data Engineer building NZTA's enterprise data platforms, pipelines and products. Leading modern data engineering practices supporting analytics, AI and better transport outcomes.

Posted 8/21/2026full-timeAuckland • 🇳🇿 New ZealandSenior💰 NZ$133,632 - NZ$163,328 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and delivering enterprise-scale data platforms and pipelines, with a strong focus on analytics, AI, and data governance. Proven ability to lead technical initiatives, mentor teams, and influence continuous improvement across data engineering practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Enterprise-Scale Data PlatformsAdvanced SQLPython ProgrammingDatabricks DeliveryDataOps Implementation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data Pipeline DesignData Engineering PracticesCloud-Based Data PlatformsLakehouse ArchitectureMachine Learning SolutionsData GovernanceData PrivacyData SecurityOperational ExcellenceTechnical Debt Management

Soft Skills

Stakeholder InfluenceRelationship ManagementCommunication SkillsMentoringContinuous Improvement

Industry Keywords

AnalyticsBusiness IntelligenceAI Use CasesData Community of PracticeObservability

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudPythonSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design and delivery of enterprise data solutions supporting decision-making, analytics and AI
Design, build and evolve data platforms, pipelines and products enabling better transport outcomes
Lead complex delivery initiatives and establish scalable, secure and reliable data engineering practices
Design and deliver modern data products and pipelines across squads, programmes and stakeholders
Support the ongoing evolution of NZTA's enterprise data platform
Provide technical leadership and hands-on delivery
Develop capability across the Data Community of Practice
Share knowledge, coach engineers and contribute to standards, patterns and ways of working
Influence technical excellence and continuous improvement across the organisation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience designing, building and operating enterprise-scale data platforms and pipelines
Advanced SQL and Python skills
Strong experience delivering on Databricks
Experience with modern cloud-based data platforms, Lakehouse and medallion architecture patterns
Proven capability delivering solutions supporting analytics, business intelligence, machine learning and AI use cases
Experience applying DataOps, automation, observability and operational excellence
Strong understanding of data governance, privacy, security and compliance requirements
Ability to influence stakeholders and work effectively across squads, programmes and technical disciplines
Experience identifying and managing technical debt while balancing delivery priorities and platform sustainability
Strong relationship management and communication skills
Ability to translate business requirements into practical technical solutions
Passion for mentoring others and contributing to continuous improvement and engineering excellence
Legal right to live and work in New Zealand

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary and benefits package
5 weeks annual leave
Flexible working arrangements
Free Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance scheme available for permanent employees