SQL Analyst

About the company

Simple Machines works at the intersection of data engineering, software engineering, and AI, using data to design practical technology solutions. Its international teams turn complex data into insights that help businesses make better decisions and achieve real outcomes. In this role, you’ll contribute to the data strategy and help deliver solutions that create measurable value.

Applications are currently open, with first-round interviews scheduled for the week beginning 7 July.

Role overview

As an SQL Analyst, you’ll be responsible for examining, querying, and making sense of complex datasets so teams can make data-led decisions for clients. You’ll work alongside data engineers, software developers, and business stakeholders to turn data into reliable reports, clear analysis, and useful insights.

Key responsibilities

• Write accurate and efficient SQL queries to analyse complex data and support reporting needs.
• Interpret datasets and translate findings into insights that support decision-making.
• Work closely with data engineers, developers, and business stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Contribute to building data projects in DBT.
• Improve query performance and help optimise database access patterns.
• Support the selection and use of analytical and transactional databases based on project needs.
• Use modelling approaches appropriately, understanding the trade-offs between them.
• Assist with data warehouse work, including platforms such as BigQuery.
• Apply programming knowledge, preferably Python, where needed in data workflows.

Requirements

• 4 to 5 years of commercial experience, preferably in a consulting setting.
• Strong hands-on expertise in SQL.
• Practical experience delivering data projects in DBT.
• Clear communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Good understanding of the advantages and limitations of analytical versus transactional databases.
• Experience with one or more data warehouses, such as BigQuery.
• Experience improving query performance.
• Understanding of the differences between modelling techniques.
• Programming experience, with Python preferred.

Nice to have

• Exposure to Apache Airflow.
• Broader experience with cloud platforms, especially AWS and/or GCP.

Eligibility

• You must have full legal rights to work in New Zealand.
• You should already be based in Christchurch.
• You need to be open to working from the office at least 3 days per week.

Benefits

• A fast-track route into data platform engineering.
• An attractive learning and development fund to support continuous growth.
• A highly competitive salary.
• A collaborative team of experienced engineers who enjoy working together.
• Flexible hybrid working, including the option to work from home with regular time in a central Christchurch office.
• Free team lunches three times a week, plus access to a snack bar.
• Interesting, varied work across multiple industries.
• Ongoing learning at the forefront of data engineering and AI.

Work location

This role is based in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand, with an on-site expectation and hybrid flexibility.