Cloud Data Platform Engineer

About Meridian Energy

Meridian Energy is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading renewable electricity producer, harnessing natural forces such as wind, water, and solar power. Through its brands Meridian and Powershop, the company serves over 400,000 homes, farms, and businesses nationwide. The organization's vision embodies unity and sustainability, symbolized by the whakataukī: "From the tail of the fish to the tail of the waka, shines the sun."

Role Overview

We are seeking a Cloud Data Platform Engineer responsible for building, managing, and administering Meridian’s Azure Databricks platform and its underlying Azure infrastructure. The successful candidate will ensure this platform is highly secure, reliable, and always available, delivering platform capabilities as code to enable safe development and operation of data and AI workloads by internal teams.

Key Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Design, deliver, and maintain Azure Databricks and supporting infrastructure with high security and reliability standards.
• Manage core Azure services including networking, private connectivity, identity management (including Entra ID, RBAC, and PIM), storage solutions, Key Vault, and monitoring tools.
• Implement infrastructure-as-code and DevOps best practices using Terraform, source control, and CI/CD pipelines to govern all changes.
• Operate shared cloud platforms that serve multiple internal teams, providing the right balance of autonomy and standardized governance.
• Own technical standards and strategic direction at the platform level, ensuring accountability for outcomes.
• Maintain robust platform security and governance practices encompassing access controls, network isolation, secrets management, and audit readiness.
• Experience administering Azure Databricks or other comparable data platforms such as Snowflake or Fabric is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Possess a relevant technical degree or alternatively demonstrate at least five years of pertinent professional experience.
• Show a growth mindset, embrace collaboration and transparency, and thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Benefits and Culture

• Flexible work arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance whenever feasible.
• Competitive salary package, subject to annual reviews and performance incentives, alongside discounts through partner programs.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage with Southern Cross Healthcare Wellbeing insurance and funded schemes for eligible employees.
• Enhanced leave benefits including three additional company-paid days during holidays, augmented parental leave, and options to purchase up to 12 extra leave days.
• Life, trauma, and income protection insurance to offer further financial security.
• Increased employer contributions to KiwiSaver (retirement savings scheme).
• Access to employee share schemes to participate in company ownership.
• Robust learning and development programs encouraging personal and professional growth.
• Award-winning wellbeing support encompassing mental and physical health resources.
• Discounts on power services from Meridian.
• A one-time payment of $400 to facilitate home office setup, if necessary.

Inclusion and Values

Meridian emphasizes diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where every employee feels welcomed, valued, and able to bring their authentic selves to work. The company encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities, diverse health conditions, and neurodiverse identities. The workplace culture is collaborative, supportive, and aligned with values embodied in three principles: courage ('be gutsy'), teamwork ('being in the waka'), and integrity ('being a good human').

Location and Application Details

This position is based in Wellington or Christchurch, New Zealand, with onsite working requirements. Applications close on Friday, 2nd October. For questions or assistance with the application process, candidates are encouraged to contact the recruitment team directly. Meridian is committed to accessibility and can provide support throughout the hiring process as needed.

Additional Information

This role offers meaningful employment with impactful contribution towards New Zealand’s sustainable energy future alongside a supportive team environment and clear organizational purpose.