Senior Systems Security Engineer

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We're embarking on an exciting transformation of how Digital Services and the University approach cybersecurity.

We are on a mission to rapidly and holistically uplift how Digital Services and the University approach, process, and manage patching and vulnerability management. To make this change possible, we've created a brand-new team within our Cybersecurity function dedicated to transforming how patching is delivered across our technology ecosystem through automation and modern engineering practices.

As part of this investment, we are looking to appoint four Senior Systems Security Engineers to help drive this transformation.

These newly created roles will identify, assess, plan, implement, and manage groups of systems, servers, and devices through newly designed workflows that fully leverage automation at every stage of the patching lifecycle. Working across cloud and on-premise environments, you'll help strengthen the University's cyber resilience while improving the efficiency, consistency, and scalability of vulnerability remediation.

These opportunities are best suited to experienced engineers with broad exposure to enterprise technologies, operating systems, cloud platforms, infrastructure, applications, and endpoint management. You'll bring significant hands-on engineering experience together with the ability to solve complex technical challenges, influence stakeholders, and partner closely with Product Owners as they adopt new ways of working.

If you're passionate about automation, security engineering, and building modern solutions that have a lasting impact across a large and diverse technology environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing, implementing, and managing automated patching solutions across the University's technology environment.
• Identifying, assessing, and driving the remediation of security vulnerabilities across enterprise systems, servers, and devices.
• Partnering with Product Owners and technology teams to develop practical remediation strategies and strengthen cyber resilience.
• Leveraging enterprise vulnerability management and endpoint management tools to improve visibility, reporting, and remediation outcomes.
• Providing technical leadership and expert advice on secure system configuration, patch management, and vulnerability management.
• Driving continuous improvement through automation, process optimisation, and modern security engineering practices.

These are full-time, 37.5-hour-per-week roles on a permanent basis. The salary range is $110,700 - $149,800 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information, please review the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You're an experienced systems or security engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and making enterprise environments more secure.

You thrive in large, diverse technology environments where no two days are the same, and you're comfortable working across operating systems, cloud platforms, infrastructure, enterprise applications, and endpoint technologies. You combine deep technical expertise with a collaborative approach, enabling you to influence stakeholders, mentor others, and support teams through meaningful technical change.

Most importantly, you're passionate about automation and using technology to improve security outcomes at scale. You'll enjoy working in an environment where innovation is encouraged, collaboration is valued, and your expertise will directly influence how the University manages cyber risk.

Ngā pūkenga motuhake | Important skills and experience

• Extensive experience in systems engineering, security engineering, vulnerability management, or enterprise patch management within complex environments.
• Strong hands-on experience managing Windows, Linux, cloud, and enterprise technology platforms.
• Experience with enterprise vulnerability management, endpoint management, automation, and scripting technologies such as PowerShell or Python.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, secure systems administration, and modern vulnerability management practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence technical teams and support organisational change.

The following would be highly beneficial:

• Experience working with enterprise patch management platforms such as MECM, Intune, Tanium, Ansible, or equivalent.
• Industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, Microsoft, Red Hat, or equivalent.
• Experience working within a large, complex enterprise or higher education environment.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland provides a supportive, people-centred working environment where your wellbeing and professional development are genuinely valued. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Flexible employment practices, including hybrid working.
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution.
• Five weeks' annual leave.
• Ongoing professional development and support for industry certifications.
• Opportunities to work with modern cybersecurity technologies, automation platforms, and enterprise-scale systems.
• A collaborative team environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing are encouraged.
• Access to staff discounts, recreation facilities, wellbeing initiatives, and discounted parking.
• The opportunity to help shape one of the largest cybersecurity transformation programmes within New Zealand's tertiary sector.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 17th August 2026 to be considered. Please include a cover letter and CV outlining how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Michael Karich via michael.karich@auckland.ac.nz.
Please note: we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Additional Information

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, LGBTQIATakatāpu__iMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Digital Services enables the technology that powers learning, teaching, research, and the student experience across the University. Our Cybersecurity team plays a critical role in protecting the University's digital ecosystem by delivering modern security capabilities that keep our people, data, and systems secure.