Senior Enterprise Architect

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Join more-than 15,000 New Zealanders working for the NZ Defence Force and directly contribute to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Enterprise Architecture Team shapes the environment in which NZDF’s critical digital capabilities can evolve and thrive, connecting long-term strategic direction with the immediate needs of a unique organisation serving Aotearoa New Zealand.

NZDF is embarking on a digital modernisation journey. As a Senior Enterprise Architect, you will influence this from the outset and help shape the future of NZDF's digital ecosystem.

Working across one of New Zealand's most complex organisations, you will guide enterprise-level decisions that influence how information, technology and digital capabilities support Defence operations across land, maritime, air, cyber and space domains.

You will work with senior leaders, architects and subject matter experts to develop long-term architectural direction, ensuring today's investments contribute to a coherent, secure and adaptable future state. This is an opportunity to influence decisions that directly contribute to the operational effectiveness, resilience and strategic advantage of the New Zealand Defence Force.

This will include:

• Define and evolve architecture roadmaps, principles, standards, and practices
• Develop and maintain reference architectures and blueprints
• Shape digital ecosystems and platforms to be fit for purpose across our information environments
• Work collaboratively with other architects across the wider practice, customers and subject matter experts.
• Work with government, industry and international partners for collective outcomes.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will be an experienced Senior Architect who has worked in large, multifaceted organisations. You will bring a commercial, forward thinking approach to your work looking for opportunities to support our strategic direction whilst advocating for a user centric philosophy.

You will also bring:

• Significant experience in enterprise architecture within a large and complex organisation.
• Proven ability translating organisational needs into strategy and architecture
• Strong understanding of contemporary architecture approaches, including digital ecosystems, platforms, cloud services, data, integration and security.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A relevant tertiary qualification.

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 occasional travel. You need to have a Class 1 Full Driver’s Licence.

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 Monday 12 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.