Help Desk, Wellington
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Stats NZ

Seeking Systems/Software, Data, Dev/Ops, and Test Engineers!

  • Posted 1w ago
  • On Site
  • Full Time, Fixed Term Contract

Wellington

Job Description

If you’re someone who enjoys getting to the technology story behind the data and finds satisfaction in producing work that others rely on— we’d like to hear from you!

Stats NZ is looking for Engineers to join our Measuring a Modern Economy (MME) programme for 2 year fixed-term opportunities available in Pōneke (Wellington) and Ōtautahi (Christchurch).


  • 1 x Engineer / Software Engineer
  • 2 x Data Engineers
  • 1 x Platform / DevOps Engineer
  • 1 x Test Engineer


The MME Programme is modernising New Zealand's economic statistics system by enhancing processes, methods, and data sources, while implementing updated international standards. This work will ensure our statistics remain relevant, aligned, and fit for purpose, providing the insights needed to support better decision-making and a stronger economy.


What We're Looking For

  • Successful applicants will bring strong technical expertise, a collaborative approach, and the ability to quickly learn and adapt in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
  • Experience or exposure with Databricks or similar modern data platform and modern cloud-based data platforms will be important to these roles.


Engineer/Software Engineer

  • The Engineer is responsible for the design, development, modernisation, and operational support of data platforms and analytical solutions within Databricks and related cloud environments. This role will contribute to the development of robust, scalable, and maintainable engineering solutions supporting Balance of Payments (BOP) and other business-critical statistical systems.
  • The Engineer will write application code, modernising R/SAS/legacy solutions and implement business logic.
  • You'll bring strong hands-on experience with Databricks or a similar modern data platform, experience building and maintaining data pipelines and analytical solutions, proficiency in Python and SQL, and experience working with Python/PySpark/R and have some understanding of a statistical production environment.


Data Engineers

  • Data Engineers are responsible for designing and building production-quality data pipelines and governed data products within a Databricks-based platform, as well as transforming datasets and publishing data products. These roles will work closely with Technical Business Analysts, architects, and methodologists to modernise legacy data processes and deliver reliable and auditable data products.
  • You’ll need to be able to design, build, and operate data pipelines on Databricks using Python, PySpark, R, SQL, and Delta Lake and endorsed tools / stacks; and develop and maintain production grade R and Python notebooks, libraries, and jobs.


Platform/DevOps Engineer

  • The Platform/ DevOps Engineer is responsible for scaling, stabilising, and enabling delivery across the Databricks platform environment. The focus of this role is on automation, environment management, security, deployment pipelines, and operational excellence, ensuring delivery teams can work efficiently and safely at pace.
  • The role will also maintain CI/CD pipelines, permissions, Unity Catalog, and observability capabilities.
  • You’ll need to be able to configure and manage Databricks workspaces, environments, and access; support Unity Catalog domain setup, permissions, and governance alignment. This includes enabling CI/CD for Databricks notebooks, jobs, and pipelines using Git-based workflows.


Test Engineer

  • The Test Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality, accuracy, reliability, and auditability of modernised data products and statistical processing solutions. This role will establish and execute testing approaches across data pipelines, calculations, transformations, and reporting outputs, with a strong emphasis on quality assurance and automation.
  • The role will focus on testing Databricks pipelines, notebooks, and related artefacts for the new solutions; supporting regression testing within modernisation and system replacement initiatives; and embedding quality assurance into agile or PI-based delivery models.
  • You’ll have strong experience in software testing, data testing, or quality engineering roles; testing data pipelines, analytics solutions, or data platforms, and experience developing automated test frameworks and regression testing approaches. Strong SQL skills and the ability to interrogate and validate datasets will be essential.


What’s in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe

  • These are roles that will deepen your technical expertise while building the skills needed for more senior technical roles.
  • You’ll be joining an environment that values both quality and learning. From day one, you’ll be supported to build your technical confidence and understanding of how our work fits together.
  • Take a look at our Stats NZ Careers Page to learn more about our values, the way we work and check out our employee benefits.


Starting salary for this position: $84,027- $113,683 + kiwisaver

About Us | Ko mātou

  • Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is the National Statistics Office, leading the way in data and insights. While this is our focus, it’s our people who are central to everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, recognising that our work is strengthened by the people behind it.
  • We’re proud of the role we play in guiding and strengthening the data system, with a goal of delivering high quality data with equitable access for all.


How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Click Apply Now to submit your application. Please include a cover letter that outlines your motivation for the role and reasons for wanting to be part of Stats team. You will also be required to complete some role specific application questions.

To view the position description for each role, please click here: Position Description Cloud DevOps Engineer.docx Position Description Senior Analyst Tester.docx Position Description Data Engineer.docx Position Description Systems Software Engineer.docx


Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we aim to move quickly to interviews.  This role will close on Sunday 4 October .

If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know — we’re committed to making the process accessible for everyone.

Please contact Amber Hawthorn directly with any questions - amber.hawthorn@stats.govt.nz

Desired Hard Skills

  • Python
  • SQL
  • CI/CD pipelines
  • Databricks
  • PySpark

Desired Soft Skills

  • Adaptability
  • Collaborative
  • Quality Assurance
  • Technical Expertise

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