Data Engineer

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values :

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Data Team at Oranga Tamariki is building the future of data—developing modern reporting solutions, optimising our new data lakehouse, and consolidating legacy systems to better serve our organisation.

We're a tight-knit, experienced team that values honesty, empathy, and curiosity. We support each other, embrace diverse backgrounds, and are committed to continuous learning and growth.

We're looking for a talented Data Engineer with strong skills in ETL engineering, Databricks, Azure DevOps (CI / CD), and infrastructure as code. You'll be working with a modern tech stack and playing a key role in shaping a forward-looking data environment that supports real-world impact.

You will be investigating and designing data structures and flows that instantiate our evolving data architecture, collaborating with other engineers, data analysts and architects to build our future state and take advantage of our newly modernised platform :

• Creating physical and logical data models that align with business needs.
• Designing ETL workflows to load data into our data lakehouse
• Ensuring data is cleaned, transformed, and made ready to be used in accordance with our medallion architecture.
• Ensuring security and privacy compliance
• Supporting data governance, data quality policies
• Managing the co-existence of legacy and modern data models.

Your work will power insights across the organisation, enabling our kaimahito make a meaningful difference for tamariki, their whānau, and communities.

With plenty of opportunities to contribute to forward-looking and impactful work, you'll be part of a purpose-driven team shaping a modern, scalable, and compliant data environment.

We're looking for a self-starting Data Engineer who’s comfortable with ambiguity, collaborative and great to work with. You will have strengths in one or more of the following areas :

• Principles and practices of data mastering.
• Proven experience with Databricks or similar platforms, and a solid understanding of data ecosystems and data flow.
• Strong data modelling skills, particularly in relational and dimensional modelling, including documentation of technical specifications.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python / PySpark.
• Familiarity with Terraform.
• CI / CD practices and test automation, preferably using Azure DevOps.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative problem-solving.
• Ability to mentor others, promote best practices, and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• An understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, especially tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples' cultures.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 to $139,459 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and to and what you bring.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on Thursday 4 December 2025.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.

Reference # 39486

Posted on 27 Nov 2025

Closes on 04 Dec : 55

Location(s) Wellington

Expertise Architects, Business / System Analysts, Change Management, Consultants, Database Development & Administration, Developers / Programmers, Engineering - Hardware, Engineering - Network, Help Desk, Information & Communication Technology, Management, Other, Product Management, Programme & Project Management, Security, Testing & Quality Assurance, Web development & Production

#J-18808-Ljbffr