Data Engineer

Data Engineer job description

The Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains secure and scalable data pipelines that enable analytics, reporting, and operational systems across stakeholders. The role ensures data is accurate, accessible, and governed in line with New Zealand privacy and regulatory requirements.

Typical Data Engineer duties

Key responsibilities of a Data Engineer include:

Designing, developing, and maintaining robust ETL and ELT pipelines to support analytics and business intelligence functions

Building and optimising data architectures that comply with NZ Privacy Act obligations and internal data governance standards

Engineering data models and storage solutions that support reporting, machine learning, and downstream applications

Implementing data quality frameworks to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency across datasets

Working with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP to create scalable and cost-effective data solutions for New Zealand operations

Collaborating with data scientists, analysts, and engineering teams to deliver cleaned, structured, and secure data

Monitoring pipeline performance, resolving failures, and improving reliability through automation and optimisation

Maintaining documentation, version control, and testing practices to support auditability and operational continuity

Integrating data from New Zealand-based systems such as Xero, MYOB, SAP, and government data sources where relevant

Data Engineer job qualifications and requirements

A degree in computer science, data engineering, information systems, or a related NZQA-recognised field is preferred. Candidates should have experience designing and maintaining data pipelines in a commercial or enterprise environment.

Requirements include:

Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and data engineering frameworks

Experience with cloud-native data services on AWS, Azure, or GCP

Knowledge of NZ Privacy Act requirements, data governance standards, and secure data handling principles

Experience developing and maintaining ETL and ELT pipelines at scale

Familiarity with New Zealand business systems such as Xero, MYOB, SAP, and relevant API integrations

Ability to build and optimise data models to support analytics and reporting

Strong capability in monitoring, troubleshooting, and improving data workflows

Effective communication skills for working with New Zealand-based technical and non-technical teams

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Salary for Data Engineer

125000 - 150000

25th percentile

125000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

135000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

150000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or KiwiSaver.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Data Architect

160000

170000

185000

Business Intelligence Analyst

95000

110000

130000

Business Intelligence Developer

120000

135000

145000

Business Intelligence Manager

140000

155000

180000

Database Administrator

100000

115000

125000

Data Warehouse Consultant

110000

130000

145000

Data Scientist

120000

140000

160000

Senior Data Scientist

160000

180000

200000

Senior Data Engineer

160000

180000

200000

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