Engineer at NZ Defence Force, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Join more-than 15,000 New Zealanders working for the NZ Defence Force and directly contribute to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are seeking an Engineer (Enterprise Applications) with in Microsoft Exchange and Exchange Online to join our Enterprise Applications team.

In this role you will assist in the transition from on‑premise messaging platforms to a modern, secure, and scalable M365 environment. This role will assist with the successful planning, execution and ongoing operation of enterprise grade email services.

This will include:

• Assisting the planning, configuration, migration, and operational readiness of the transition from on-premise Exchange environments to Exchange Online
• Implement secure, scalable, and compliant Exchange Online infrastructure
• Manage coexistence during hybrid states, ensuring minimal disruption to users and business processes
• Develop and document technical runbooks, policies, and automation for Exchange Online administration
• Resolve complex email routing, mail flow, retention, compliance, and identity-related issues
• Collaborate with M365 architects, security leads, and network teams to ensure seamless integration across the M365 ecosystem.

Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is a requirement to go on an on-call roster for which you will be compensated for.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

This role will suit an Engineer with hybrid Exchange and M365 expertise. You will have proven experience with Exchange Online migrations.

You will bring:

• Experience in messaging infrastructure roles, ideally in Exchange Online
• Understanding of Exchange hybrid configurations, exchange and email traffic flows, Exchange Edge servers, PowerShell automation, Exchange Online Protection (EOP), and mail flow troubleshooting
• Experience with:
• Multi-tenant or complex organisation Exchange Online migrations
• Legacy Exchange versions and hybrid deployments
• Microsoft Purview compliance features and retention policies
• A grasp of M365 components, especially Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and user lifecycle automation
• Experience operating in regulated or security-conscious environments.

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.  

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

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 14 October 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.