Senior AI Engineer

About the Role

Join Air New Zealand as a Senior AI Data Engineer where you'll be instrumental in designing and delivering reliable, AI-ready data products and intelligent solutions that enhance analytics, automation, and AI-driven decision-making throughout the airline. You'll work within the highly engaged Data & AI Chapter and Agile Tribes spanning various domains including Commercial, Corporate, Cargo, Operational, and Engineering.

Collaborating as part of a small, multidisciplinary team, you will establish and strengthen Data and AI capabilities locally in Christchurch with support from the Auckland team as needed. This role offers the chance to blend profound data engineering skills with innovative AI technologies like AI agents, semantic retrieval, and AI-assisted engineering to develop reusable, governed, and high-performance data solutions that influence aviation’s future.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement AI capabilities such as intelligent automation, semantic retrieval, and AI-assisted workflows.
• Develop scalable, trustworthy data products that underpin analytics, automation, and AI initiatives.
• Provide necessary data, knowledge, and assets for Generative AI agents to function effectively.
• Create and refine cloud-native data pipelines, semantic models, and reusable engineering frameworks.
• Promote engineering excellence through DataOps, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), automated testing, and systemic observability.
• Ensure data products adhere to governance, security standards, and remain easily discoverable and compliant with enterprise policies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to address complex business problems using data and AI solutions.
• Mentor engineering team members while contributing to the development of engineering standards, capability enhancement, and innovation.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated success in delivering enterprise-level data products and working with modern cloud data platforms.
• Strong skills in data modeling, ELT/ETL processes, and agentic analytic tools such as Snowflake Co-Work.
• Experience with AI technologies including AI agents, semantic retrieval, intelligent automation, and AI-assisted engineering.
• Proficiency with cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Knowledge of DataOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and Infrastructure as Code methodologies.
• Exceptional ability to engage with stakeholders and bridge technical concepts with business goals.
• A proactive, AI-first mindset focused on implementing AI-driven solutions effectively.

Why Work with Us?

• Enjoy discounted travel benefits applicable to you, friends, and family (whānau).
• Access FlexiLeave, allowing purchase of up to four extra weeks of leave annually.
• Gain opportunities for learning and professional development to foster your career growth.
• Benefit from KiwiSaver and FlexiSaver plans to support your financial future.

Additional Information

Air New Zealand values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a workplace where everyone can authentically thrive. We embrace the unique perspectives our people bring and encourage applicants from varied backgrounds, including those with disabilities, mental health or neurodiverse conditions, to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process to ensure equitable participation.

Applications close Sunday, 30 August 2026.

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