Principal Cloud Data Engineer | Kaipūhanga Raraunga Kapua Mātāmua

The role |Tetūnga As aPrincipal 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. What you bring |Nōuterourou 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 Proven experience at Principal Engineer level, (at least 7 years) or in a comparable senior technical leadership role. Deep expertise in Azure Databricks, Python, Delta Lake, Apache Spark, and Azure data services. Extensive experience designing, building, migrating, and optimising enterprise-scale cloud data platforms. Strong knowledge of data governance, data modelling, data quality, metadata management, and data lineage. Expertise in modern DevOps and CI/CD practices, including tools such as Azure DevOps, Terraform, Git, and ARM/Bicep. A strong focus on automation, security, reliability, scalability, and operational excellence. Experience delivering shared platform capabilities that support multiple teams and programmes. Sound understanding of cloud security, compliance, resilience, monitoring, and operational support within regulated environments. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical business outcomes. The ability to influence, coach, and guide engineers, architects, delivery teams, and senior stakeholders. 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. Werecognisethat valuable skills can come from both paid and unpaid work. You might have gained experience in education, hospitality, technology, public service,the marae,orthe arts. You might have experiencefromcommunity involvement, volunteering, or whānau responsibilities. We welcome and value all forms of transferable skills. Please bring yourfullunique self to your application. Forallour roles,we’relooking for people who: Act with integrity, take responsibility, and dowhat’sright even whenit’shard. Understand the ‘why’ behind their work and focus on delivering real value. Stay curious and open to learning, seeing challenges aschancesto grow. Build respectful and inclusive relationships, grounded in care for others. Work collaboratively across boundaries and contribute to collective outcomes. Wedon’texpect you to know everything. What matters is your genuine interest, commitment, and readiness to grow with us. Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ. About Us | Komātou Stats NZTataurangaAotearoa is the National Statistics Office, leading the way in data and insights. While this is our focus,it’sour people who are central to everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and experiences,recognisingthat our work is strengthened by the people behind it. The data and insights we produce help shape decisions across government, communities, and businesses, and playsan important rolein 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’reproud of the role we play in guiding and strengthening the data system, witha goalof deliveringhigh qualitydata withequitableaccess for all. What’sin it for you? |Ngāhuakariroki akoe Take a lookat our Stats NZ careers site to learn more about ourorganisationalvalues:Hepēwheaātātoutikanga mahi | The way we work. 37.5hourswork week. 15dayssick leave allowance (to be used for yourself or people under your care). 3 extra days off (taken during end-of-year office closure). Annual flu vaccines. Funded counselling and coaching through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Visual and hearing health benefits Corporate rates for a variety of services and products. Studyassistanceprogrammes. RōpūWaiata– weekly cross agency connection. An activesocialclubin each office. Starting salary for this position:$134,769 - $182,335+kiwisaver #J-18808-Ljbffr