Job Description
Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.
At the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) | Te Tira Tiaki, our mission is to protect and enhance Aotearoa New Zealand's security and wellbeing. We provide Signals Intelligence and Cyber Security and resilience to organisations of national significance to successfully navigate in an unpredictable world.
The role & what we are looking for
This is an awesome opportunity to join a well-established specialist software research and development team. As part of this team, you will be responsible for delivering exciting and often unique projects, building and supporting capabilities for the GCSB's Computer Network Operations (CNO), and important enable to enhance GCSB's intelligence mission.
This is a diverse role requiring breadth and depth of skills across several areas. To be successful in this role, you will have strengths in a number of the following areas:
C, C++, C#, .NET, Python software development
Development for the Win32/POSIX API, and/or networking APIs
Planning and conducting independent research
Cyber security concepts and vulnerabilities, exploit techniques and methods for their remediation
Reverse engineering
Assembler or embedded systems programming
Analysis and design of network protocols
Understanding of mobile device operating systems, applications & security
Linux and/or Windows systems administration & security
Automating the testing and deployment of systems and products
DevOps, Docker, Agile and various modern development systems and approaches
The development of complex networking, IOT, mobile or embedded systems
Enthusiasm and tenacity will be necessary as you research, design, implement, and maintain our software and Intelligence systems. You will solve unique, challenging problems to support the security and wellbeing of New Zealand and enhance your skills collaborating across our various teams, systems and technologies.
As well as interesting work, we offer a range of benefits including:
Flexible hours, as your work/life balance is important to us
Four weeks annual leave plus some additional days for your wellbeing
Gym, social clubs and events
Medical insurance and Vision Care package
Professional development opportunities - we are committed to ongoing learning and continuous improvement
The promise that you never have to take your work home with you
Expected appointing ranges for Levels 1 - 3 are below:
Level 1 - $87,048 - $92,851 per annum
Level 2 - $103,009 - $114,454 per annum
Level 3 - $120,359 - $128,383 per annum
The level of appointment will be determined on assessment of skills and experience by the selection panel for this position.
Before you apply
Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.
You must:
Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years
OR
Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years
Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance
Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks.
Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool
The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career.
We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out our Myth Busting booklet: https://beyondordinary.nzic.govt.nz/mythbusting
Job Details
Reference #
8924
Location(s)
Wellington
Salary
Band G $87,048 (90%) - $111,228 (115%) , Band H $103,009 (90%) - $131,622 (115%) , Band I $120,358 (90%) - $153,791 (115%)
Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role
Closes on
11 Aug 2026 23:55
Work type(s)
Permanent full-time
Job level(s)
Entry, Experienced
Expertise
Cyber Security, Information Technology, Security & Intelligence
At the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) | Te Tira Tiaki, our mission is to protect and enhance Aotearoa New Zealand's security and wellbeing. We provide Signals Intelligence and Cyber Security and resilience to organisations of national significance to successfully navigate in an unpredictable world.
The role & what we are looking for
This is an awesome opportunity to join a well-established specialist software research and development team. As part of this team, you will be responsible for delivering exciting and often unique projects, building and supporting capabilities for the GCSB's Computer Network Operations (CNO), and important enable to enhance GCSB's intelligence mission.
This is a diverse role requiring breadth and depth of skills across several areas. To be successful in this role, you will have strengths in a number of the following areas:
C, C++, C#, .NET, Python software development
Development for the Win32/POSIX API, and/or networking APIs
Planning and conducting independent research
Cyber security concepts and vulnerabilities, exploit techniques and methods for their remediation
Reverse engineering
Assembler or embedded systems programming
Analysis and design of network protocols
Understanding of mobile device operating systems, applications & security
Linux and/or Windows systems administration & security
Automating the testing and deployment of systems and products
DevOps, Docker, Agile and various modern development systems and approaches
The development of complex networking, IOT, mobile or embedded systems
Enthusiasm and tenacity will be necessary as you research, design, implement, and maintain our software and Intelligence systems. You will solve unique, challenging problems to support the security and wellbeing of New Zealand and enhance your skills collaborating across our various teams, systems and technologies.
As well as interesting work, we offer a range of benefits including:
Flexible hours, as your work/life balance is important to us
Four weeks annual leave plus some additional days for your wellbeing
Gym, social clubs and events
Medical insurance and Vision Care package
Professional development opportunities - we are committed to ongoing learning and continuous improvement
The promise that you never have to take your work home with you
Expected appointing ranges for Levels 1 - 3 are below:
Level 1 - $87,048 - $92,851 per annum
Level 2 - $103,009 - $114,454 per annum
Level 3 - $120,359 - $128,383 per annum
The level of appointment will be determined on assessment of skills and experience by the selection panel for this position.
Before you apply
Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.
You must:
Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years
OR
Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years
Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance
Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks.
Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool
The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career.
We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out our Myth Busting booklet: https://beyondordinary.nzic.govt.nz/mythbusting
Job Details
Reference #
8924
Location(s)
Wellington
Salary
Band G $87,048 (90%) - $111,228 (115%) , Band H $103,009 (90%) - $131,622 (115%) , Band I $120,358 (90%) - $153,791 (115%)
Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role
Closes on
11 Aug 2026 23:55
Work type(s)
Permanent full-time
Job level(s)
Entry, Experienced
Expertise
Cyber Security, Information Technology, Security & Intelligence
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Research & Development Engineer position is now open for candidates interested in the IT Engineer & Developer Jobs sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in IT Engineer & Developer Jobs is a plus.
