Senior Data Engineer

Who we are | Ko wai mātou

The University of Otago is driving an ambitious Digital Strategy to transform experiences for students, staff, and researchers. At the heart of this change is our Digital Services Division, delivering enterprise-scale technology, modern learning spaces, and customer support that enable world-class teaching and research. We are future-focused, collaborative, and committed to innovation that aligns with the University’s long-term digital direction. At Otago you will gain wide experience in an interesting and diverse data environment supporting critical university operations and analytics.

The role | Te mahi

This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly motivated and talented Senior Data Engineer to join our data team in Dunedin. You will be a technical Databricks specialist, working hands-on to develop and curate data products to enable and support our growing analytical and reporting needs, as well as tapping your expertise with best practices in data governance, data quality, and data security.

In addition to bringing your technical skills to the University, you will exhibit strong team values and behaviours, collaborating with other members of the Digital Services Division, analytical and reporting teams, and a variety of other business SMEs and stakeholders as required.

Skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

You bring:
• A passion for data engineering and enabling data driven decision making.
• Experience with modern data platforms (Databricks, Kafka) and building scalable, robust pipelines.
• Strong data modelling skills across relational, dimensional, and analytical structures.
• Proficiency in key data engineering languages (SQL, Python or Scala).
• Experience with git source control, CI/CD, and agile ways of working.
• Familiarity with SQL Server, PostgreSQL and Oracle databases and are comfortable with Linux environments
• Great problem solving skills, strong communication, and a collaborative approach.
• Ability to produce clear technical documentation.
• Experience with optimisation, monitoring, or observability tools (advantageous).
• Curiosity, adaptability, and fresh ideas.

If you’re ready to help shape our modern data ecosystem and make a meaningful impact across the University, apply now and bring your expertise to a team where your ideas truly matter.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

We offer competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance. More information regarding employee benefits can be found here:

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this position.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Terry Wilson via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2600584 close on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, the University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.