Geospatial Data Engineer, GEOINT NZ at NZ Defence Force, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

GEOINT New Zealand's role is to provide imagery and geospatial intelligence to NZDF, supporting policy, planning, operations and training to meet NZDF outputs.

This role is responsible for transforming the way geospatial data is sourced, integrated, and visualised within NZDF, enabling the delivery of high-quality, insight-driven intelligence to NZDF, government agencies and allied partners.

Expectations for this role are:

• 3+ years' experience using FME or other ETL software, with a strong understanding of data transformation and workflow automation.
• Foundational knowledge of AWS services and concepts (e.g. S3, EC2, Lambda, RDS).
• Demonstrated experience using the ArcGIS suite of applications, including desktop and web-based tools.
• Practical experience managing and optimising relational databases in a geospatial context, utilising Enterprise Geodatabases and postgis extensions.
• Produce clear documentation for data systems and workflows.
• Awareness of data security implications, including data classification and secure handling of sensitive spatial and non-spatial datasets.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively across teams.
• A tertiary qualification in Geospatial Information Systems, Computer Science or similar.

This role is based at Devonport Naval Base. Due to the nature of this role and systems, there is no option to work remotely.

Please note:  As this role requires a high level of security clearance, you will need to have been an 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.  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

This is an intermediate role within a small team that will provide you with incredible learning opportunities unlike any other.

There are some key skills you will need to have to be successful in this role and make the most of those learning opportunities.

• Data ProcessingHands-on experience with FME for designing, building and maintaining spatial ETL workflows.
• In-depth knowledge of geospatial data formats and services (e.g. vector, raster, web services, APIs, tile caches, etc.).
• Database and Data ManagementExperience loading, querying, managing, editing and troubleshooting relational databases such as PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or similar platform.
• Understanding of spatial indexing, performance tuning, schema design, and data integrity principals.
• ProgrammingExperience developing scripts for data processing, automation, and workflow optimisation, particularly in Python.
• Familiarity with relevant Python libraries (e.g. geopandas, gdal, arcpy, psycopg2, boto3, etc.).
• Cloud InfrastructureExperience deploying or managing geospatial data workflows in cloud environments.
• GIS PlatformsExperience publishing and managing services through ArcGIS Server.
• Experience administering and supporting ESRI Portal is advantageous.

You will be required to complete some initial assessments to demonstrate to the panel your skills and experiences.

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 Monday 30 March 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.