Software Engineer - Joint Border Analytics at New Zealand Customs Service, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Bring your passion for improving the user-experience of data science and analytics applications to a role with purpose!

Exciting and meaningful work that makes a difference to Aotearoa

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa protects New Zealand's border using world-class tools, world-class people and innovative approaches. Joint Border Analytics (JBA) is a young team that applies data science to help the NZ Customs Service make the right decisions to protect the New Zealand border. We work at all levels from policy and strategy through to the front line. We have three main methods for delivering data science products to decision makers: a real-time enterprise decision engine, web applications hosted on a Kubernetes cluster, and a Power BI server.

About the role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi 

This is an exciting role where you will be responsible for refining our deployment environments and publishing data science solutions that provide an amazing user experience and an easy path from development to production. In addition, you will also look after the maintenance of deployed applications and oversee enhancements requested by our customers.  

You will help the data scientists get the most out of our current on-premise analytical environment, and work on the migration of our development and deployment infrastructure to the cloud. This will be achieved by identifying, promoting and applying best-practice deployment methods for our three deployment channels: R and Python applications deployed in Docker containers on a Kubernetes cluster; R and Python models deployed in a real-time decision engine; and a Power BI server. These methods primarily involve standard DevOps workflows, including CI/CD pipelines, unit testing, vulnerability monitoring, and code review.

While a core function of the role is helping to build and maintain user applications in R and Python, you will also consider how JBA continues to improve our application monitoring and application security practices. You will have the ability to work in partnership with NZ Customs IT Specialists and JBA business analysts, data scientists and data engineers.

The salary range for this role is $107,925 - $136,247 per annum. This role predominantly works business hours Monday to Friday. You will report to the Technical Lead (Infrastructure) in JBA and the role will preferably be based in Auckland or Wellington.

About you | Ko wai koe 

You will have:

• Significant experience in software engineering, preferably in a business intelligence and analytics context.
• Experience with developing full-stack web applications, preferably with Python (Django, Shiny) and/or R (Shiny).
• Experience in DevOps processes, including CI/CD pipelines, containerisation, and Kubernetes deployments.
• A passion for working with cross-functional product engineering teams to create quality software that hits the mark with our customers.
• The ability to produce clean, consistent and well-organised code, and to help others do the same.
• A background and post-graduate qualification in Computer Science or other data centric profession preferred.
• Good knowledge of databases, scripting, and ETL processes. 

While you'll need to have experience with developing full-stack web applications, preferably with Python or R, the most important thing that you will have is a passion for delivering a high-quality user experience.  

You will be interested in innovative technology, but also aware of the importance of development best practice and long-term maintainability. Collaboration is at our core: Every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference.

Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono

You will need to obtain Confidential level national security clearance. In order to obtain this clearance you need to be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application;

OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application, but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past 5 years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Already having Confidential clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement.

Due to the nature of Customs work you must have a clear Police record. Successful applicants are also required to pass a drug test.

Working at Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa

Our people get on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles. We foster an inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups. We also support flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements. Our people get discounted health insurance, free on-site gyms (in some locations) and three days of service holidays in addition to four weeks of annual leave. 

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru 

Please apply online. Please submit a cover letter that outlines your suitability and motivation for this role, along with a brief work history. You will be asked to outline your relevant skills and experience in software engineering, and a few competency-based questions, along with why you are interested in the role. The online application process takes a bit of time and requires you to provide examples of previous work - specific questions are asked in the online process. It's best to set aside some time when you won't be interrupted.

If you have any queries, please contact recruitment@customs.govt.nz.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 21 April 2025.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.