Computer Network Operations (CNO) Engineer

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.

Our work is secret. But we are just like you. We’re ordinary people. But together we are doing extraordinary things to protect New Zealand and New Zealanders. We are seeking motivated individuals who want to use their technical and problem solving skills to provide essential intelligence to the Government of New Zealand.

Mō te tūranga mahi – about the role

The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) is seeking motivated individuals who want to use their STEM or cyber security backgrounds to support GCSB’s Intelligence mission as Computer Network Operations (CNO) Engineers within the Intelligence Directorate. As a CNO Engineer, you will be responsible for the research, analysis and active operation of collection systems, including troubleshooting, identifying vulnerabilities in deployed systems and implementing operational enhancements. Solutions may require sound scripting, programming or software development skills.

This is a diverse role where innovative thinking, performance analysis and a range of technical disciplines are required to solve complex technological problems. CNO Engineers need to balance a high level of security awareness with a solution-focussed mind-set in the performance of their role, so good judgement is required. Technical and security advice and support to other GCSB areas or New Zealand Government departments and agencies may also be required.

For this role we are looking for a technically fluent individual with relevant STEM education or work experience, particularly in a cyber security field.

Ko wai koe – about you

To be successful in this role you will have a strong attention to detail, a desire to learn new skills, and the ability to accurately identify, analyse and solve difficult technical problems that is enabled by a combination of the following:

A tertiary qualification in an information technology-related field such as computer science, engineering, telecommunications, or information science/technology, or equivalent learning through experience.

Understanding of cyber security concepts and vulnerabilities, exploit techniques, and methods for their remediation.

Experience with common security monitoring, log analysis and forensic tools.

Experience with wireless and/or mobile technologies.

Sound programming or scripting skills.

Strong attention to detail, a desire to learn new skills, and the ability to accurately identify, analyse and solve difficult technical problems.

Software development and testing experience would also be advantageous.

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.

Level 1: $103,009 - $109,876.

Level 2: $120,359 - $128,383.

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 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

Job Details

Reference #

Location(s)

Wellington

Salary

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

29 Jun 2026 23:55

Work type(s)

Permanent full-time

Job level(s)

Experienced

Expertise

Cyber Security, Technical Engineering, Information Technology, Security & Intelligence