Lead Automation Engineer

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead Automation Engineer to join our team supporting a mission-critical funding system that calculates and distributes operational grants to Schools and Early Learning Services across Aotearoa. This is a foundation team with the opportunity to define ways of working and ensure collaboration occurs throughout delivery.

This role requires a technical engineering background with a strong emphasis on cloud-based platforms (Azure and Cloudflare) involving hands on delivery and day-2 operations experience.

Supported by our digital practices, the team will play a key role for the Ministry, the schools, and our learners.

This role is located in Wellington.

Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

As the Lead Automation Engineer you will be responsible for the development, implementation and ongoing maintenance of CI/CD pipelines and custom cloud software solutions within the Ministry.

We are looking for someone with the following attributes:

• A proven ability to work as part of a team and communicate at both a general business requirement and technical level.
• Negotiating and facilitating skills, including the ability to work effectively with a range of people in a variety of educational and cultural contexts
• Demonstrated ability to contribute ideas and suggestions for improving operational services to users
• Experience and willingness to handle production support (business hours) and the ability to work under pressure to resolve incidents
• Proactive attitude in keeping up to date with changes, particularly for services and components core to delivery
• Good knowledge of Azure Cloud services including Azure Kubernetes, Helm, ADO, Terraform, scripting languages (Python, Poweshell, Bash), SQL databases
• Knowledge of Cloudlfare is also desirable

You will also offer:

• Direct responsibility for application build, deployment, and ongoing support of multiple cloud non-production and production environments.
• The ability to support the product delivery lifecycle using infrastructure-as-code, pipelines, automation, and application configuration.
• The ability to manage and enhance existing Application, Platform, and Infrastructure monitoring.
• Experience supporting and building capability in other cloud engineers, providing coaching, peer reviews and technical assistance.
• The ability to work closely with development, test, and release management teams.
• Experience with refining application and infrastructure resources based on resource utilisation and performance testing.
• The ability to maintain and update application and cloud security policies.
• Experience with cloud cost optimisation.
• The ability to build self-service tooling and scripts for other team members or stakeholders to use.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

Te Pou Kōrero | Digital and Data sets the digital and data direction that enables modern, efficient and seamless experience for those interacting with education services. The Group is accountable for the digital and data strategies and enabling capability plans, as well as maintaining the products and services. The Group provides overall leadership for development and implementation of integrated education and digital and data solutions working closely with other parts of the education sector and Ministry, enabled by a strong evaluation and evidence base.

The Group has both internal and external customers – with a strong focus on innovation by exploring new technologies and overseeing research, testing and prototyping activities.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Hayden Munro, Practice Manager, Engineering at hayden.munro@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Friday 24 April 2026.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.