CNO Research & Development Engineer
First seen by Alion on Sep 23, 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.
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 Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) is seeking software developers to deliver capabilities to maintain and enhance GCSB's Intelligence mission.
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 enhance GCSB's intelligence mission.
This is a diverse role requiring broad 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
- 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
- Reverse engineering
- 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
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: $85,000 - $130,000