Information engineering

Our information engineering staff use science and ingenuity to develop and deliver exciting end-to-end technological solutions. These roles span engineering, ICT operations, solutions development and integration, information management, and computer network operations. They include:

  • infrastructure, systems, networks (Windows and Linux-based), telecommunications, database, and research and development engineers
  • cyber security roles including incident responders, cyber threat analysts, and network security analysts
  • architects
  • software developers
  • systems administrators
  • information management specialists
  • web developers/administrators
  • other specialist roles.

Staff profiles - information engineering

“What I produce is internationally recognised and has a tangible impact on making New Zealand a better place.”

A desire to build and create things steered me towards engineering. A passion for technology had me specialising in software. Throughout university I was driven and entrepreneurial. I wanted to produce innovative software with real applicability and impact, that was built to the highest standards, and that people wanted to pay for. But chasing money left me feeling empty and drained, and the compromises needed to succeed in profit-driven business burned me out.

I joined NZSIS and I haven’t looked back since. Working for the NZSIS has all the benefits of the work that I love. I can create and build innovative, quality software using the best engineering tools, techniques, and processes. What I produce is internationally recognised and has a tangible impact on making New Zealand a better place. I don’t have to worry about the money. And I get to work every day with industry experts to identify how technology can help make New Zealand and other nations safer.

“The technology here is cutting-edge and interesting. We get to work with some fairly unique systems and tools.”

My educational background isn’t conventional for the GCSB. I studied English literature and history at university, and fell into a helpdesk role with an IT provider before heading to the United Kingdom. There, I worked in an entry-level IT role and learned a lot. When I returned to New Zealand, I was employed as an engineer in the private sector.

Four years ago, I applied for a role at the GCSB. My role is busy and there is always something new to learn and challenge me. The technology here is cutting-edge and interesting. We get to work with some unique systems and tools. Because of this, we wear a lot of different hats as there is no helpdesk to call when something goes wrong. You can’t google a solution. Some very clever people work here and in the wider intelligence community. The work–life balance is great. I love the fact that taking work home for my role is not okay – it’s great to be able to walk out of work and switch off. Working in cyber security for the good of New Zealand makes me feel good about coming to work and doing what I do.