Database Platform Engineer

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Help shape and evolve the enterprise database platforms that support New Zealand's leading university.

The Platform Engineering team is seeking a Database Platform Engineer to join the team on a permanent basis. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the delivery, operation, and continuous improvement of our enterprise database platforms.

As a Database Platform Engineer, you'll work across business-critical database environments spanning on-premises and cloud technologies, including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and Amazon RDS. You'll help ensure our platforms remain secure, reliable, scalable, and high performing while contributing to automation, platform engineering, service improvement, and technology modernisation initiatives.

This is a hands-on engineering role where you'll collaborate with cloud, infrastructure, security, application, and project teams to deliver robust database platform services that support the University's teaching, research, and operational activities. You'll also have the opportunity to work with evolving cloud technologies, implement new platform capabilities, and help shape the future direction of our data services.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position and includes participation in a 24/7 on-call roster. The salary range is $87,000 - $118,000 dependent on skills and experience.

For more information about the role, please refer to the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

Connect is responsible for delivering and managing the University's core technology services, enabling teaching, learning, research, and business operations across Waipapa Taumata Rau. The team plays a critical role in ensuring the University's technology services remain reliable, secure, and fit for the future.

You'll join a collaborative environment focused on operational excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and the adoption of modern technologies and engineering practices.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You're a technically capable database or platform professional who enjoys solving complex problems and delivering reliable services in large-scale environments.

You bring a proactive mindset, strong analytical capability, and a passion for continuous improvement. Comfortable working across multiple technologies and stakeholders, you're equally at home supporting critical production systems, implementing platform improvements, and automating operational processes.

Important Skills | Nga Pūkenga Motuhake

• Proven experience in database administration, database engineering, or database platform operations within production environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of Oracle Database and/or Microsoft SQL Server.
• Experience with database installation, maintenance, upgrades, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and high-availability environments.
• Knowledge of database security, patch management, access controls, and vulnerability remediation.
• Experience with scripting, automation, or platform engineering practices.
• Exposure to cloud database technologies such as Amazon RDS and hybrid cloud environments would be advantageous.

Additional Information

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information please visit Staff Benefits.

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.  

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 15th November 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Zidan Zhang via z.zhang@auckland.ac.nz for more information about the role.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz