R&D Specialist

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Leverage your technical expertise and curiosity for innovation to support businesses through New Zealand’s premier programme for boosting R&D investment
• The appointee will bring  hands‑on experience in software development, system architecture, data science, or AI
• Dive into new technical frontiers, deepen your R&D experience, and build a career with real impact
• Salary – $118,390 - $143,639 + Kiwisaver + Wellness Benefits, full time Permanent opportunity located in either - Auckland or Wellington (Other locations considered)

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

The Research & Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) is one of New Zealand’s most important tools for accelerating innovation, helping businesses grow through meaningful investment in R&D. As part of this joint MBIE-Inland Revenue programme, you’ll play a vital role in assessing the real research happening inside New Zealand companies, shaping funding decisions that directly influence the country’s future.

As an R&D Specialist, you’ll bring your technical expertise, curiosity, and industry experience to your work. You’ll work directly with scientists, engineers, and business leaders cutting through complex R&D programmes. We ensure their work aligns with RDTI requirements and support them on their innovation journey. This is a customer‑facing, impact‑driven role perfect for someone who loves diving into technical detail, building trusted relationships, and helping businesses unlock the full potential of their R&D.

The role includes the following activities: 

• Using your technical expertise to champion New Zealand’s innovators-assessing RDTI applications to understand businesses’ real‑world R&D, enabling businesses to push the boundaries of science and technology.
• Turn complex ideas into clear, confident recommendations that shape funding decisions and support New Zealand companies to grow.
• Partner with leaders, researchers, and technical teams to help them recognise, articulate, and maximise the impact of their R&D work.
• Collaborate with a supportive team across MBIE and Inland Revenue, helping refine processes and improve how we serve customers nationwide.
• Build trusted relationships, navigate challenging conversations with confidence, and contribute your voice to continuous improvement and positive change.
• To be eligible for this role, applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand, be willing to travel occasionally to support service delivery, and meet Inland Revenue’s vetting requirements.
• MBIE supports a range of flexible working arrangements.  Talk to us about what might work for both you and us. 

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

• Strong technical expertise in a scientific or technological field(with ICT and/or AI experience), supported by a relevant tertiary qualification and a willingness to explore new areas.
• 7+ years’ R&D experience in commercial or industry environments, ideally within highly regulated or compliance‑driven sectors.
• Proven ability to quickly understand complex legislation, regulatory practice, and technical information with strong attention to detail.
• Experience with systematic research methods, innovation processes, and the scientific/technological challenges faced by advanced businesses.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and interpersonal skills, able to influence, build trust, and adapt to audiences ranging from technical specialists to senior leaders.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to prioritise effectively under competing demands while acting as a trusted liaison between customer needs and organisational objectives.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. 

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Matt Guy at matt.guy@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/18669 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 1 March 2026