Senior Security Engineer

Job Description:

Te Ratonga Tautoko Hangarau | Digital Services
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Fixed-Term (12 month) position
• 37.5 hours per week

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

In this senior technical role, you’ll lead the development, optimisation, and oversight of cybersecurity tooling and practices across the University. Acting as a trusted subject matter expert, you’ll combine hands-on engineering with strategic guidance to strengthen our security posture and ensure best practice across a diverse and evolving digital landscape.

You’ll collaborate widely, influence decision-making, and champion a proactive approach to digital risk—helping create a secure, resilient, and future-focused University environment.

You will:

• Lead and optimise enterprise cybersecurity tools
• Design, implement, and continuously improve security architecture and controls
• Provide expert advice on cybersecurity risks, solutions, and compliance requirements
• Partner with IT and business teams to embed security into systems and processes
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging threats and new technologies
• Support incident response, disaster recovery planning, and risk management initiatives
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, reporting, and security standards
• Promote a strong security culture through guidance, communication, and training.

Mōu | Who You Are

You will ideally hold Relevant certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, Azure/Microsoft Security) and have familiarity with vulnerability management platforms and extensive experience in IT, including significant time in senior cybersecurity roles

You will also be able to demonstrate:

• Deep expertise in security tooling, network security, threat detection, and risk management
• Strong understanding of security frameworks, protocols, and compliance standards
• Proven ability to design and implement secure, scalable solutions
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise stakeholders
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous improvement
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You'll join our Digital Security and Risk Team — a close-knit group of passionate professionals who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and making a real difference. We're not just here to tick boxes; we push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and innovate to create smarter, safer, and more resilient digital experiences for our staff, students, and community. People are at the heart of what we do. We believe great digital solutions start with listening, understanding, and working alongside those we serve.

You'll also be part of our wider Digital Services whānau — a large, dynamic team committed to building world-class digital capability. We're creating a modern, flexible foundation that enables the University to explore new business models, adopt better ways of working, and transform the way we connect, learn, and grow. Together, we're shaping a digital future where technology empowers people, and people inspire technology.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

UC’s Benefits(https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-of-working-at-uc) approach is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%) (If over 9 month)
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 27 May 2026 (midnight, NZ time)*Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.*

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.