CND System Engineer (Enterprise Linux)
First seen by Alion on Oct 16, 2026.
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.
About us
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cyber defence. We fulfil the cyber security responsibilities of the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) | Te Tira Tiaki, and provide cyber security services to all New Zealanders – from individuals and small businesses and organisations up to large enterprises, government, and critical national infrastructure.
The role
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Linux Engineer to design, build and manage our enterprise Linux and Microservices platforms. In this critical role, you’ll be at the forefront of enhancing GCSB’s capability to detect, disrupt, and deter sophisticated cyber threats facing New Zealand—contributing to the security of our nation.
Our work may be classified, but the secret to our success isn’t—it’s our people. Our engineers are the backbone of ground breaking cyber security solutions that have earned national acclaim, including the 2023 Public Service Commission's Spirit of Service Award for Service Excellence, the Prime Minister's Award, and the 2022 iSANZ Award for Best New Zealand Security Product or Service.
This is your opportunity to be part of a high performing team of CND Systems Engineers. The mission is vital and the challenge is unlike anything else.
Key responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Design, build and manage enterprise Linux and Microservices platforms as the Subject Matter Expert
- Champion industry best practices and frameworks into engineered solutions
- Coach and Mentor Engineers
- Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement
Why work for us
Alongside getting to work with other talented people, we also offer a range of comprehensive benefits which include:
- Medical insurance and vision care packages
- Enhanced employer contributions to your Kiwisaver
- Generous leave benefits, including additional paid days off and enhanced sick and parental leave
- Childcare allowance for your pre-schoolers
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career pathways across the intelligence community
- Great work-life balance
Who we're looking for
- 5+ years’ experience as a SME in designing, building and operating Enterprise Linux and Microservices platforms at scale using the likes of RedHat Enterprise Linux, RedHat Satellite, RedHat Openshift, Docker, Podman.
- Experience with DevOps practices and GitOps automation technologies, including Git Repos, CI/CD, and Infrastructure-as-Code using the likes of GitLab, Azure DevOps, Terraform, Ansible.
The expected appointment range for this opportunity is as follows:
- Level 3: $120,359 - $128,383
Before you apply
Working within our unique environment means we must 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) clearance
- Ordinarily this means you will 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 some of our Security FAQs here The security clearance process | Beyond Ordinary Careers
You can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
Salary range: $120,000 - $130,000