Senior Engineer Infrastructure and Network | Wellington

Job Description

Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman

The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.

Mō tō mātou tira – About the team:

The Digital and Technology (DAT) team is small, collaborative and gearing up to build something great. Working in close partnership with the PMO, Information & Knowledge Management, and Security teams, the team is focused on digital enablement and delivering real value to the organisation.

Our groups' whakatauki is:

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.

Based in central Wellington the team look after about 240 staff who work from our Wellington and Auckland offices, their homes and in the field around New Zealand and overseas.

Mō te tūranga - About the role:

As Senior Engineer – Infrastructure & Network, you'll technically own the Office's technology infrastructure; our Azure environment, our data centres and the networks that connect our Wellington and Auckland offices. You'll make sure it is secure, resilient and performing well, and that it keeps pace with the needs of the business.

Your first major job is leading the move of our physical and virtual infrastructure from our Wellington and Auckland data centres to Microsoft Azure. You'll establish our Azure Landing Zone and an Azure DevOps environment for infrastructure-as-code, release and change management, then run and improve the platform over time, including keeping a close eye on cost, capacity, backup and disaster recovery.

The Office is switching from a largely outsourced model to a co-sourced one, and building our own engineering capability. You'll be the technical point of contact for our vendors and service providers, hold them to agreed service levels, bring ITIL-aligned practices to how we work together, and coach the wider team as more support comes in-house. This is a hands-on senior role where your judgement and technical depth will shape how we run technology for years to come.

He kōrero mōu – About you:

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Cloud infrastructure: Build, secure and optimise our Azure environment (networks, compute, storage, backup and identity), and lead the data centre migration so that legacy infrastructure is progressively decommissioned.
• Network engineering: Keep our Wellington and Auckland sites connected and performing, and design the network changes needed to connect on-premises, Azure and M365 environments.
• Security and resilience: Work with our security team to apply NZISM-aligned controls, and make sure backup, disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements are tested and work when they're needed.
• Vendor and service management: Hold providers to account, apply ITIL-aligned incident, problem and change practices, and help bring Level 1-2 network and device support in-house.
• Technical coaching: Share your experience with the wider DAT team, provide escalation support on network and device issues, and help grow our in-house capability

You are an experienced infrastructure; someone equally at home with designing a cloud platform, and getting into the detail when something breaks. You bring:

• Demonstrated experience building and securing Microsoft Azure infrastructure, including virtual networks, compute, storage and identity (Entra ID)
• Experience supporting or leading a cloud migration, ideally a data centre exit, including switches and LAN / WAN / VPN connectivity
• Experience using Azure DevOps (or equivalent) for infrastructure-as-code and release management
• Working knowledge of CIS Benchmarks and network security principles such as segmentation, access control and VPN
• ITIL Foundation or equivalent working knowledge, and experience managing the performance of external service providers
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non or less technical colleagues
• A relevant tertiary and/or ICT qualification, current Azure, CCNA or Fortinet NSE qualifications are highly desirable
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret NZ Government security clearance

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer:

Becoming part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.

• Genuine career progression opportunities and professional development through training and mentoring by senior members of your team
• Flexible working options
• Competitive remuneration
• Three extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employment
• Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Me pēhea te tono - How to apply:

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now' button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please email [email protected].

All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.

As the Ombudsman's role is to provide “fairness for all” New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders from all walks of life. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team. We encourage applicants from all walks of life.

Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between 115,360 to 151,410 with 144,200 as the mid-point. This role is based in Wellington. Please note we are unable to consider 100% remote working for this role.

Applications Close: 30 October 2026