Senior Data Engineer Databricks Specialist

INFORMATION SYSTEMS TE POUTOKO TUKUTUKU
DIGITAL DIVISION RATONGA MATIHIKO

Who we are Ko wai mātou

At the University of Otago our Digital Services Division is driving an ambitious transformationbuilding a modern enterprise-scale data ecosystem that supports world-class teaching research and decision-making.

Were collaborative forward-thinking and focused on doing meaningful work that has real impact across the University.

The role Te mahi

Were looking for a Senior Data Engineer with Databricks expertise to help shape and deliver our modern data platform.

In this hands-on role youll design and build high-quality data pipelines ensuring they are scalable reliable and cost-effective within a cloud-first environment. Youll tackle complex data challenges - diagnosing issues improving performance and contributing to the ongoing evolution of our platform standards and ways of working.

Youll be working across a broad enterprise landscape but day to day youll be part of a small collaborative team where your voice is heard and your expertise is valued. As a senior engineer youll also help lift capability across the team; mentoring and upskilling others as they grow their experience with Databricks.

What makes this opportunity stand out is the balance. Youll be solving meaningful technically interesting problems in a sophisticated environment all while working in a culture that is supportive flexible and genuinely people focused.

Work from home up to 3 days a week.
Enjoy a small-team feel within a larger organisation.
Step out during the day - grab a coffee at a nearby café walk the local sports grounds or make use of the university gym just a short walk away.

This is a role where you can do great engineering work without compromising on the things that matter outside of it.

What youll bring Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

Deep hands-on expertise with Databricks and Spark-based platforms.
Strong capability in SQL and Python (or similar data engineering languages).
Experience working in cloud data environments (Azure preferred AWS also valued).
A track record of building and improving data solutions at scale.
Practical knowledge of data modelling data quality and governance.
Strength in problem-solving optimisation and troubleshooting.
A collaborative pragmatic approach and confidence working across technical and business teams.

Further details Pūroko

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

We offer a salary aligned with current market rates reflective of the skills and experience you bring five weeks annual leave and a 6.75% superannuation scheme - alongside a culture that truly supports balance and wellbeing.

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 Damian Wheeler via the contact details below.

Application Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference numberclose on Monday 1 June 2026.

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

Contact: Damian Wheeler

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin