Principal Cloud Data Engineer | Kaipūhanga Raraunga Kapua Mātāmua

As a Principal Cloud Data Engineer, you will play a key leadership role in designing, building, and evolving modern cloud-native data platforms that enable the secure, reliable, and effective use of data across the organisation. Working within a multidisciplinary platform team, you’ll lead complex initiatives spanning platform modernisation, large-scale data migration, automation, engineering excellence, and operational improvement. This fixed-term opportunity (open to Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch locations) offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies including Azure Databricks, Delta Lake, Apache Spark, and Azure cloud services while contributing to nationally significant programmes such as the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) modernisation, Monthly Consumers Price Index, and broader migration to the Stats NZ Data Platform. You will provide technical leadership across platform architecture, cloud engineering, governance, and delivery, while driving reusable solutions, modern engineering practices, and continuous improvement. You’ll also partner with stakeholders across Stats NZ to deliver scalable, secure, and sustainable data capabilities that support evidence-based decision-making for New Zealand.

You are an experienced technical leader who takes an enterprise-wide view, balances strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, and thrives in complex environments. You’ll bring:

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• Proven experience at Principal Engineer level, (at least 7 years) or in a comparable senior technical leadership role.
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• Deep expertise in Azure Databricks, Python, Delta Lake, Apache Spark, and Azure data services.
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• Extensive experience designing, building, migrating, and optimising enterprise-scale cloud data platforms.
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• Strong knowledge of data governance, data modelling, data quality, metadata management, and data lineage.
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• Expertise in modern DevOps and CI/CD practices, including tools such as Azure DevOps, Terraform, Git, and ARM/Bicep.
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• A strong focus on automation, security, reliability, scalability, and operational excellence.
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• Experience delivering shared platform capabilities that support multiple teams and programmes.
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• Sound understanding of cloud security, compliance, resilience, monitoring, and operational support within regulated environments.
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• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical business outcomes.
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• The ability to influence, coach, and guide engineers, architects, delivery teams, and senior stakeholders.
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This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of cloud data engineering in government, helping build and evolve a platform that will support the future production and use of data across Aotearoa New Zealand. We recognise that valuable skills can come from both paid and unpaid work. You might have gained experience in education, hospitality, technology, public service, the marae, or the arts. You might have experience from community involvement, volunteering, or whānau responsibilities. We welcome and value all forms of transferable skills. Please bring your full unique self to your application.

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. The data and insights we produce help shape decisions across government, communities, and businesses, and plays an important role in telling the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mahi supports informed decision making at both national and local levels, helping improve outcomes for people, the economy, and the environment. 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.

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• 37.5 hours work week.
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• 15 days sick leave allowance (to be used for yourself or people under your care).
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• 3 extra days off (taken during end-of-year office closure).
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• Annual flu vaccines.
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• Funded counselling and coaching through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
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• Visual and hearing health benefits
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• Corporate rates for a variety of services and products.
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• Study assistance programmes.
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• RōpūWaiata – weekly cross agency connection.
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• An active social club in each office.
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• Starting salary for this position: $134,769 - $182,335 + kiwisaver
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