Solution Designer

Salary: $126,827 - $146,989 (including 4% superannuation)

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We're establishing a new Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT) that will help protect and strengthen critical NZDF digital capabilities. As a Solution Designer, you'll help design secure, resilient and scalable solutions that support NZDF's cyber capability and operational outcomes.

This is an opportunity to join a newly established team and work alongside cyber specialists, engineers and technology professionals to deliver solutions that align with operational needs, security requirements and technical standards.

You will be responsible for translating business and technical requirements into practical solution designs, helping to ensure systems are secure, fit for purpose and able to integrate effectively within the Defence Information Environment. Working within a collaborative product team, you'll provide technical guidance across solution design, integration and continuous improvement activities.

This will include:

• Designing secure and resilient solutions aligned with operational requirements

• Developing solution blueprints, roadmaps and integration approaches

• Ensuring solution designs align with cyber security and infrastructure standards

• Collaborating with engineers and stakeholders to support solution delivery

• Supporting design reviews, performance improvement and optimisation activities

• Providing guidance on secure design principles and best practices

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Solution Designer to contribute to secure and resilient cyber capability within NZDF.

You will be a strategic and collaborative professional with experience designing technology solutions within complex environments. You will enjoy working across technical disciplines, translating requirements into practical solutions and helping ensure technology outcomes remain secure, scalable and fit for purpose.

You will bring:

• Experience designing solutions within software, infrastructure or cyber environments

• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle and product delivery practices

• Experience translating business and technical requirements into solution designs

• Knowledge of secure design principles and cyber security considerations

• Experience working across infrastructure, application and integration technologies

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

• Experience working within agile delivery environments desirable

• Relevant qualifications, certifications or equivalent industry experience

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we’ve outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

This role may require travel to support operational and business requirements.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Tuesday 20 October 2026.

Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.

• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.

• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.

• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.

• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.