Machine Learning Engineer

Te tūnga | The role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Machine Learning Engineer to join our talented team.

As the Machine Learning Engineer, you will play a key role in supporting PHF Science’s strategy to leverage AI and Data Science for solving complex problems New Zealand face in the environment, public health and forensic frontiers.

You will work closely with colleagues in the Data Science team to build and maintain high quality data and model development pipelines; design and implement infrastructure for efficient management, evaluation and deployment of models for operational service delivery and research; translate proof-of-concept data-driven solutions into production ready systems.

This position can be based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and we offer a hybrid working environment if desirable.

Kia angitu koe | About you

To be successful in this role, you will have the following:

• A post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline.

• At least three years of proven experience in data engineering, Dev/ML-Ops or other related field.

• Expertise and sound understanding of best practices in data and model management and MLOps.

• Strong foundation in Statistics.

• Advance or expert level proficiency in Python and/or R.

• Experience working with libraries and frameworks for developing Machine Learning models, AI agents or other types of data-driven solutions and applications.

• Experience with using CI/CD tools and framework such as ArgoCD for managing and deploying code and applications to environments.

• Demonstrable track record in using tools and frameworks such as MLFlow and Apache Airflow for model and workflow management.

• Knowledge and/or experience working with tools and platforms such as Azure and Kubernetes for deploying and managing software applications in a scalable manner for development and production.

• Experience with use of Infrastructure-as-code tools for managing infrastructure is preferred.

• Demonstrable track record in developing data ETL pipelines and machine learning model development workflows.

• Excellent problem solving and trouble shooting skills.

As well as the technical skills, it’s important to us that you are a team player with strong communication skills and a natural tendency to share your knowledge and collaborate with others.

Ngā painga | The benefits

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments

• The equivalent of 5 weeks holidays

• 15 days sick leave per year and service leave provisions after five years

• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community

• Free annual flu vaccinations

• Life insurance and physical loss benefit

• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service.

Mō mātou | About us

PHF Science (formerly ESR) is a New Zealand Public Research Organisation (PRO) dedicated to the health, safety and wellbeing of our communities.

We provide expert leadership, research and science services to enhance our public health and justice systems, and power innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow.  

With four locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), our work means New Zealanders can feel confident that disease outbreaks and environmental risks to health are monitored and managed, and the impact of drug harm in the community is reduced and we live in a society where justice is supported by trustworthy evidence.

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible and ever-evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification.

Tono mai | Apply now

We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori.

If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with recruitment@phfscience.nz

Applications close: 12pm Tuesday 18 August 2026

Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and will be in touch once advertising.

PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment.

Applications Close: