Engineer

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As an Engineer within the Identity and Access Management/Public Key Infrastructure (IDAM/PKI) team, you'll help deliver and support the secure digital services that underpin the New Zealand Defence Force.

Working as part of an agile product team, you'll contribute to the implementation, support and continuous improvement of identity and access management solutions 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 identity and access management services.
• Investigating and resolving incidents, problems and service requests.
• Implementing new solutions and product enhancements.
• Contributing to automation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Working with stakeholders to improve service performance and user experience.
• Maintaining system documentation and operational procedures.

This role is based in Petone. Once you have completed training and are established in the role, there is the option of working from home up to two days per week.

**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:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM) technologies and platforms.
• Active Directory, Entra ID, PowerShell scripting, and automation.
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), digital certificates, or Privileged Access Management (PAM).
• Microsoft Azure, enterprise infrastructure, or IT security environments.
• Working in large or complex ICT environments, ideally using Agile or DevOps practices.

Alongside your technical capability, you'll be a proactive team player who communicates well, builds strong relationships, and is committed to continuous improvement. Relevant qualifications, certifications, or equivalent practical experience would be advantageous.

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 Thursday 20 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.