Science & Technology Lead -ﾠ Sensing and Intelligence at NZ Defence Force, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Defence Science & Technology (DST) provides the NZDF and the Ministry of Defence with a dedicated science and technology capability. DST shapes its defence science and technology research to align with NZDF strategic and operational requirements to ensure that we deliver benefit to NZDF's front line capabilities, both now and in the future.

We conduct studies, reports, prototypes, analysis and experimentation, and deliver knowledge, expertise, and experience. DST partner with NZ universities, NZ industry and international science and technology organisations.

This Sensing and Intelligence research programme currently has the following focus areas:

• Space based remote sensing
• Computer vision management and processing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Maritime Domain Awareness

The primary purpose of this senior role is to provide strategic leadership of the Sensing and Intelligence team and its associated research programme. The position requires a balanced focus on people leadership, research programme direction, and delivery of high‑impact individual scientific outcomes.

Key accountabilities include leading, supporting, and mentoring a multidisciplinary team, shaping and delivering a coherent and high‑quality research portfolio, and contributing technically through personal scientific leadership. The role also has a strong external focus, with responsibility for developing and leading international collaborations with key domestic and international partners to enhance research quality, impact, and reputation.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future direction of this research programme and to deliver highly beneficial outcomes to the NZDF.

To do that successfully you will bring to the role :

• 10+ years' experience in a comparable STEM research role.
• Relevant PhD, or research Master's degree (or honours with equivalent research experience).
• Advanced knowledge in your scientific domain, with a detailed knowledge of remote sensing, data exploitation, data analytics or image processing.
• Competent in at least one computing language (e.g., R, Python, Matlab, C++) with experience in modern statistical analysis of quantitative data.
• Proven leadership experience, including people and project management.
• Proven ability to work in collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams, and with people across complementary areas of research.
• Excellent research skills and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Excellent communicator – with evidence of scientific writing ability, delivery of oral presentations, and stakeholder workshop facilitation.
•  Able to communicate coherently and sensitively, explaining complex issues in a way that is easy to understand, including through written material and verbal means, giving presentations appropriate for military, technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong networking skills, tact and diplomacy in dealing with a wide range of issues/challenges.
• Ability to identify emerging scientific opportunities and translate them into actionable research proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective professional working relationships, through accountability, respect, trust and a sense of collective purpose.
• Additional management and leadership qualifications are highly desirable.

You will need to be comfortable working in military environments (for example at sea), and with international travel. You will need a Full NZ Driver Licence.

This role requires the ability to work away from home for extended periods completing field work, time at sea and attending international meetings. These aspects are essential to the position. If you are shortlisted for this role, you will be expected to discuss how you plan to manage and accommodate these requirements.

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 Wednesday 13 May 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 or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• 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.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history 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.