Principal Systems Engineer - Enterprise Services

• Enterprise Services
• University Services
• Palmerston North / Wellington

US_ES_116_02/25
Professional Grade 8 $96,565 - $129,699
University Services
Term length: ongoing
Hours of work: full-time

Position Overview

A challenging and growing leadership role at the centre of IT change.

Be part of defining how our enterprise IT platforms and services evolve and develop at Massey University.

We are reshaping the way we deliver IT services at Massey University and are looking for an experienced technical leader as Principal Engineer, Enterprise Services. You'll be an experienced professional with technical leadership skills across various technologies, and expertise in at least one enterprise service domain such as Microsoft 365, Power Platform/Dynamics 365, Linux, etc. You will also understand the implications of implementing AI technically and have a keen interest in expanding our expertise in this space. Your skills will be vital for advancing our shift to sustainable, modern technology.

Mō wai mātou | About Us 

We are a world-leading university in many academic disciplines and fields of research. Our point of difference is research that is connected to community and industry. Our IT Services team is evolving under new leadership, with a focus on enabling the university to meet its strategic goals.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

The Principal Systems Engineer (Enterprise Services) provides authoritative subject matter expertise in the domains of Microsoft 365, Power Platform / Dynamics 365, Linux, and AI. You will have strong technical engineering skills in at least one of these domains and provide technical leadership across all. You will contribute to the technology roadmap, shape standards and guidelines and help inform others and ensure a joined-up approach to all aspects of the services. You’ll also act as a mentor to others in the Enterprise Services team, assist with projects, and balance standard operations with innovation, as well as optimisation with automation.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do 

• Assist the Practice Lead and wider ITS team in the design, provision, operation, security and management of our enterprise services 
• Act as a technical leader across all aspects of enterprise systems 
• Act as a lead engineer across at least one of the domain competencies and be a point of escalation for the other engineers
• Ensure service availability and manage improvements and innovative uses of available technologies 
• Ensure security and privacy of users and services 
• Enable improved user experiences through effective sourcing, implementation, and automation 
• Provide expert advice 
• Drive change through technical, and strategic alignment 
• Assist in influencing attitudes, decisions and actions 
• Mentor others in your team 
• Collaborate to meet strategies, plans and targets 

Domain-specific technical engineering competencies

Microsoft 365 and Identity Access Management

• Strong expertise in managing and configuring core services such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams, particularly in a hybrid environment.
• Proficient in using PowerShell to automate administrative tasks and streamline complex configurations across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
• Strong experience with identity and access management, particularly Entra ID and Active Directory, including conditional access, SSO, and multi-factor authentication.
• A strong understanding of compliance, data governance, and security features within Microsoft Purview and Defender for 365.

Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365

• Strong expertise in governing and operating the platform and common components of the Power Platform and Dynamics 365 platforms, including the excellence and admin centres.
• Experience and broad understanding of Power Apps, Power Automate, Dynamics 365, sufficient to advise on best practice, guardrails, and assist application teams with troubleshooting.
• Experience in API-based integration and integration platforms (preferred)

Linux

• Proficient in managing system resources, users, services, and network configurations to ensure smooth and secure operations.
• Skilled in writing shell scripts and using automation tools like Bash and Python to streamline repetitive tasks.
• Experience with configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Terraform for automating infrastructure deployment and maintenance.
• A strong understanding of system security, including hardening techniques, firewalls, and compliance standards.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, as well as container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with GitHub and version control methodologies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Proficient in deploying, managing, and optimizing AI models, AI agents, and platforms tailored to support learning, assessment, and administrative processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Copilot and its adoption and safe operation within an enterprise context.
• Experience with cloud-based AI services (preferred) (e.g., Azure AI, AWS SageMaker, or Google Vertex AI).
• Understanding of data privacy, ethical AI principles, and compliance with regulations such as FERPA or GDPR.

Ko koe tēnei | Who You Are 

• Tertiary qualified in IT or business management, or equivalent experience 
• Extensive leadership experience in IT, particularly in applications and integration 
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in a principal engineer or related position in Microsoft 365, Linux, or similar enterprise services 
• Proven ability to contribute effectively to projects and stakeholder relationships 
• Demonstrated comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty and, crucially, challenging change 
• Knowledge of strategic IT issues, especially in educational or government contexts 

Ko ngā hua o te tūranga? | What’s in it for you? 

• Up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme 
• Five university holidays per year in addition to your annual leave 
• Subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your family 
• Discounted membership to our fully equipped recreation centre and gym facilities 
• Staff purchasing privileges and discounts at many commercial and retail businesses across NZ 
• Access to a wonderful on-campus crèche/day care facilities for dependents of staff on our Manawatū campus 

This full-time (37.5hrs), Grade 8 ($96,565 - $129,699) role preferably based at the Palmerston North campus though Massey's Wellington campus can be an option with the requirement of at least 1 day per week in Palmerston North.

Join us and lead a key part of Massey University’s digital transformation!

To view/download the job description, please click on the file below

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