Senior Cloud & Platform Engineer at Vector Limited

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Cloud & Platform Engineer
Company: Vector Limited
Location: Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Job Type: Full-time
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-07-08
Experience Level: 10+
Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the delivery, reliability, scalability, and resiliency of Vector's cloud systems.
Manage production and development environments, ensuring updates and cybersecurity compliance.
Drive automation across infrastructure lifecycle, observability, and disaster recovery.
Collaborate with digital teams, vendors, and stakeholders to resolve and prioritize issues.
Participate in long-term strategy and scalability planning across the enterprise.
Support the deployment of software updates, patches, and configuration changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in cloud engineering, with a focus on AWS, to drive Vector's digital transformation and ensure the security, efficiency, and future-readiness of their cloud infrastructure.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cloud System Management: Lead the technical operations of Vector's cloud infrastructure, ensuring platforms are secure, efficient, and future-ready.
Environment Management: Manage production and development environments, including updates and cybersecurity compliance.
Automation & Disaster Recovery: Drive automation across infrastructure lifecycle, observability, and disaster recovery processes.
Collaboration & Issue Resolution: Work closely with internal teams and external partners to resolve and prioritize issues, ensuring minimal impact on operations.
Strategic Planning: Participate in long-term strategy and scalability planning across the enterprise, aligning cloud systems with business objectives.
Software Deployment: Support the deployment of software updates, patches, and configuration changes, minimizing downtime and ensuring system stability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands a balance of technical leadership and operational excellence, with a focus on driving automation, improving reliability, and enhancing security across Vector's cloud systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A relevant bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer) are a plus.

Experience: Over 7 years of proven experience in cloud engineering, with a strong focus on AWS. Demonstrated experience in DevOps, infrastructure automation, and observability tooling.

Required Skills:

Proficient in AWS services and the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
Strong scripting and coding skills for infrastructure-as-code (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation).
Solid knowledge of server and OS administration (e.g., Linux, Windows).
Experience leading agile practices and uplifting team capability.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and orchestration tools.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and version control systems (e.g., Git).
Knowledge of monitoring and logging tools (e.g., Prometheus, ELK Stack).
Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation).
Familiarity with cloud security best practices and compliance frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a well-rounded cloud engineer with a strong AWS background, proven experience in DevOps, and a customer-centric, data-driven mindset. A solid leadership presence and mentoring capability are also essential for success in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of AWS services and the AWS Well-Architected Framework through relevant projects and case studies.
Showcase your infrastructure-as-code skills with examples of Terraform or CloudFormation scripts.
Highlight your experience with automation, observability, and disaster recovery through relevant projects and tools.
Include examples of your collaboration and leadership skills, such as driving team projects or mentoring junior team members.

Technical Documentation:

Provide clear and concise documentation for your cloud infrastructure, including architecture diagrams, deployment processes, and server configuration details.
Include testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques used in your projects.
Demonstrate your understanding of cloud security best practices and compliance frameworks through relevant documentation and case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should emphasize your cloud engineering expertise, with a focus on AWS services, automation, and collaboration. Highlighting your leadership and mentoring skills will also be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: NZD 150,000 - 180,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on market research for senior cloud engineering roles in Auckland, New Zealand, and takes into account the company's size and industry.

Benefits:

Health and wellbeing support, including comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
Flexible hours and work-from-home options, allowing for a better work-life balance.
Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.
Competitive retirement savings plans and family-friendly benefits.

Working Hours: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours, typically Monday to Friday. Flexible hours and work-from-home options may be available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is based on market research for senior cloud engineering roles in Auckland, New Zealand. Benefits include health and wellbeing support, flexible hours, professional development opportunities, and competitive retirement savings plans.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Vector is a state-owned enterprise responsible for delivering electricity to over 1.9 million customers across Auckland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty regions in New Zealand. As a technology-enabled organization, Vector is transforming how energy is delivered and experienced, with a focus on digital innovation and sustainability.

Company Size: Vector employs over 1,200 people and has an annual revenue of over NZD 1.2 billion. As a large organization, Vector offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development.

Founded: Vector was established in 1923 and has a rich history of innovation and community engagement. The company is committed to sustainability, with a target to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.

Team Structure:

The cloud and platform engineering team consists of 10-15 engineers, with a mix of senior, mid-level, and junior roles.
The team reports directly to the Head of Cloud and Platform Engineering and works closely with the wider digital and network operations teams.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing are encouraged, with regular team meetings, workshops, and training sessions.

Development Methodology:

Vector follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and customer value delivery.
The company uses Jira for project management and Git for version control, with a strong emphasis on code reviews, testing, and quality assurance.
Vector employs CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment and infrastructure as code (IaC) for version-controlled infrastructure management.

Company Website: https://www.vector.co.nz/

📝 Enhancement Note: Vector is a large, state-owned enterprise with a strong focus on digital innovation and sustainability. The company offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development, with a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high degree of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will have over 7 years of experience in cloud engineering, with a strong focus on AWS, and a proven track record in driving automation, improving reliability, and enhancing security.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Cloud & Platform Engineer will report directly to the Head of Cloud and Platform Engineering and work closely with the wider digital and network operations teams. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, and senior leadership.

Technical Impact: The Senior Cloud & Platform Engineer will play a critical role in shaping Vector's cloud strategy, ensuring the security, efficiency, and future-readiness of the company's cloud infrastructure. This role will have a significant impact on the reliability, scalability, and performance of Vector's digital platforms and services.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: This role offers the opportunity to mentor junior team members, drive team projects, and contribute to the development of Vector's cloud strategy.
Architecture & Design: The successful candidate will have the opportunity to design and implement cloud architecture, ensuring alignment with business objectives and best practices.
Emerging Technologies: Vector is at the forefront of energy and digital innovation, offering the opportunity to work with emerging technologies and drive digital transformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth, including technical leadership, architecture and design, and exposure to emerging technologies. The successful candidate will have the chance to shape Vector's cloud strategy and drive digital transformation in the energy sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Vector's head office is located in Auckland, New Zealand, with a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The company offers a flexible work environment, with a mix of on-site and remote work options.

Office Location(s): Vector's head office is located at 110 Carlton Gore Road, New Zealand. The company also has regional offices in Hamilton and Tauranga.

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: Vector encourages a collaborative work environment, with regular team meetings, workshops, and training sessions. The company fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Work Tools: Vector provides state-of-the-art development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure optimal productivity and performance.
Team Interaction: The cloud and platform engineering team works closely with other digital and network operations teams, as well as external partners and vendors. Collaboration and communication are key to success in this role.

Work Schedule: Vector offers a flexible work schedule, with a standard workweek of 40 hours, typically Monday to Friday. The company offers flexible hours and work-from-home options to support a better work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Vector offers a modern, collaborative workspace with flexible work arrangements, including a mix of on-site and remote work options. The company fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning, with ample opportunities for team interaction and collaboration.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment (1 hour): A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on AWS services, infrastructure-as-code, and automation. This assessment will evaluate your ability to design, implement, and maintain cloud infrastructure.
Behavioral Interview (1 hour): A behavioral interview to assess your problem-solving skills, communication, and collaboration abilities. This interview will focus on your experience leading teams, driving automation, and improving reliability.
Final Interview (30 minutes): A final interview with the Head of Cloud and Platform Engineering to discuss your fit with Vector's culture, values, and long-term goals. This interview will also provide an opportunity to ask questions about the role and the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with AWS services, infrastructure-as-code, and automation through relevant projects and case studies.
Include examples of your collaboration and leadership skills, such as driving team projects or mentoring junior team members.
Demonstrate your understanding of cloud security best practices and compliance frameworks through relevant documentation and case studies.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your AWS services and infrastructure-as-code skills, with a focus on automation, observability, and disaster recovery.
Familiarize yourself with Vector's cloud architecture and infrastructure, using the provided documentation and resources.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions, focusing on your experience leading teams, driving automation, and improving reliability.

ATS Keywords: AWS, Cloud Engineering, Infrastructure Automation, Observability, Disaster Recovery, Agile, Leadership, Mentoring, Cybersecurity, Compliance, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Communication, Portfolio, Case Study, Architecture, Design, Emerging Technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. The technical assessment will focus on your AWS services, infrastructure-as-code, and automation skills, while the behavioral interview will evaluate your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration abilities. The final interview will provide an opportunity to discuss your fit with Vector's culture, values, and long-term goals.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cloud Platform: AWS, with a focus on AWS services, best practices, and the AWS Well-Architected Framework.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Terraform and CloudFormation, with a strong emphasis on version control, automated deployment, and infrastructure management.

Containerization & Orchestration: Docker and Kubernetes, with experience in containerization, orchestration, and deployment strategies.

Monitoring & Logging: Prometheus and ELK Stack, with experience in monitoring, logging, and observability tools.

CI/CD Pipelines: Jenkins and GitLab CI/CD, with experience in automated deployment, testing, and quality assurance processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), and containerization. Experience with monitoring and logging tools, as well as CI/CD pipelines, is also beneficial for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Cloud Engineering Values:

Customer-Centric: Focus on delivering value to Vector's customers through secure, efficient, and reliable cloud infrastructure.
Innovation: Embrace emerging technologies and best practices to drive continuous improvement and digital transformation.
Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives and best practices.
Reliability: Prioritize system reliability, availability, and performance to minimize downtime and ensure optimal user experience.
Security: Implement robust security measures to protect Vector's cloud infrastructure and customer data.

Collaboration Style:

Agile Methodologies: Vector follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and customer value delivery.
Code Reviews & Knowledge Sharing: Encourage code reviews, pair programming, and knowledge sharing to ensure high-quality code and optimal performance.
Mentoring & Professional Development: Foster a culture of mentoring and professional development, with regular training sessions, workshops, and team-building activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Vector's cloud engineering team values customer-centricity, innovation, collaboration, reliability, and security. The team fosters a culture of Agile methodologies, code reviews, knowledge sharing, mentoring, and professional development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Migration: Lead the migration of legacy infrastructure to the cloud, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
Automation & Optimization: Drive automation and optimization across Vector's cloud infrastructure, improving reliability, scalability, and performance.
Security & Compliance: Implement robust security measures and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices, and drive their adoption within Vector's cloud infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Vector offers regular training sessions, workshops, and certifications to support your professional development and keep your skills up-to-date.
Conference Attendance: Vector encourages attendance at relevant conferences, meetups, and industry events to foster knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Mentoring & Leadership: Vector offers opportunities for mentoring and leadership development, with a focus on driving team projects and contributing to the company's cloud strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges, including cloud migration, automation and optimization, security and compliance, and emerging technologies. Vector offers ample opportunities for learning and development, with a focus on technical training, conference attendance, mentoring, and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

AWS Services: Demonstrate your expertise in AWS services, with a focus on the AWS Well-Architected Framework, security best practices, and compliance.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Showcase your experience with Terraform and CloudFormation, with a focus on version control, automated deployment, and infrastructure management.
Automation & Observability: Highlight your experience with automation, observability, and disaster recovery, with a focus on improving reliability, scalability, and performance.

Behavioral Questions:

Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrate your ability to lead teams, drive automation, and improve reliability, with a focus on collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
Adaptability & Learning: Showcase your ability to adapt to new technologies, learn quickly, and stay up-to-date with industry best practices and emerging trends.
Customer Focus: Explain your approach to delivering value to customers, with a focus on security, efficiency, and reliability.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Case Studies: Highlight your experience with AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation through relevant projects and case studies.
Architecture & Design: Showcase your ability to design and implement cloud architecture, ensuring alignment with business objectives and best practices.
Security & Compliance: Demonstrate your understanding of cloud security best practices and compliance frameworks through relevant documentation and case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical interview for this role will focus on your AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation skills, while the behavioral interview will evaluate your leadership, collaboration, adaptability, and customer focus. The portfolio presentation strategy should highlight your experience with AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation, as well as your ability to design and implement cloud architecture, and ensure security and compliance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Cloud & Platform Engineer position:

Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience with AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation. Include relevant projects and case studies, as well as documentation and security best practices.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your experience with AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation, as well as your leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Include relevant keywords and phrases to improve search visibility and relevance.
Prepare for Technical Assessment: Brush up on your AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation skills, with a focus on automation, observability, and disaster recovery. Familiarize yourself with Vector's cloud architecture and infrastructure, using the provided documentation and resources.
Research Vector: Learn about Vector's industry, company culture, and digital transformation initiatives. Understand how this role contributes to the company's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with Vector's goals and objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Web Technology-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to cloud engineering, DevOps, and infrastructure roles.
Include AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), automation, observability, and disaster recovery best practices.
Emphasize leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on driving automation, improving reliability, and enhancing security.
Address cloud migration, security and compliance, emerging technologies, and technical training opportunities.
Include specific portfolio guidance for cloud engineering and DevOps roles, with a focus on AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation.

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information.
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about cloud engineering processes, automation, and security.
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
Strategically distribute cloud engineering, DevOps, and infrastructure-related keywords throughout all sections naturally.
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and cloud engineering specialization.

Industry Expertise:

Include specific AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC) tools, and automation best practices relevant to the role.
Address cloud migration, security and compliance, emerging technologies, and technical training opportunities.
Provide tactical advice for cloud engineering and DevOps portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies.
Include cloud engineering and DevOps interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
Emphasize leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on driving automation, improving reliability, and enhancing security.

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
Use cloud engineering, DevOps, and infrastructure industry terminology appropriately and accurately.
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to cloud engineering and DevOps professionals.
Provide actionable insights that give cloud engineering and DevOps candidates a competitive advantage.
Focus on cloud engineering team culture, collaboration, and user experience enhancement.

Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:

Emphasize AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), automation, and security best practices in every section.
Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to cloud engineering and DevOps roles, with a focus on AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation.
Address cloud migration, security and compliance, emerging technologies, and technical training opportunities.
Highlight your leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on driving automation, improving reliability, and enhancing security.
Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for cloud projects.

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to cloud engineering or DevOps roles.
Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
Repetitive content across different sections.
Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific cloud engineering or DevOps role.
Marketing language unrelated to cloud engineering, DevOps, or infrastructure.

Generate comprehensive, cloud engineering-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for cloud engineering and DevOps professionals seeking their next opportunity and preparing for technical interviews in the cloud technology industry.

Senior Cloud & Platform Engineer