Digital Systems Engineer in Newtownards

The Digital Systems Engineer is a senior technical role within the Digital Systems function, acting as a primary 3rd line escalation point for the Solutions Desk and a key contributor to the continuous improvement, resilience, and security of the Eakins digital systems. The role focuses on resolving complex incidents, improving service reliability, and ensuring that security, compliance, and operational excellence are embedded into all systems and processes. The Digital Systems Engineer works across on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments, supporting over 900 users across multiple UK and international locations. In addition to operational support, the role plays an active part in service optimisation, automation, standardisation, and technical delivery of Digital Systems initiatives, working closely with the Head of Digital Systems to align systems with business and regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a 3rd line escalation point for complex and high impact incidents raised by the Solutions Desk.
• Lead root cause analysis and permanent resolution of recurring or systemic issues.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to 1st and 2nd line teams to improve first time fix rates and service maturity.
• Provide 1st/2nd line cover when required (e.g. leave cover, major incidents, project transitions).
• Administer, maintain, and optimise digital systems across on-premise and cloud environments.
• Support and improve Microsoft Azure & 365 services including Entra ID, Intune, Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, and security/compliance tooling.
• Manage patching, configuration, and lifecycle activities to ensure availability, performance, and compliance.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and system configuration records.
• Ensure security is embedded into all systems, changes, and improvement initiatives.
• Monitor, investigate, and respond to alerts from infrastructure and security monitoring platforms.
• Identify vulnerabilities, reduce attack surface, and escalate risks appropriately to Head of Digital Systems.
• Keep up to date with emerging security threats and best practices relevant to healthcare and regulated environments.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve system stability, performance, automation, and user experience.
• Support the planning and delivery of infrastructure, security, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Contribute to standardisation, service improvement plans, and technical roadmaps aligned to Digital Systems strategy.
• Support the rollout of new systems and upgrades with a focus on operational readiness and security.
• Provide on-site and remote support for servers, networking equipment, end user devices, and peripherals.
• Support current and future business applications, including ERP systems.
• Deliver knowledge sharing and training to IT colleagues and business users where appropriate.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Essential

• Industry recognised infrastructure or networking qualification (e.g. Microsoft, Cisco, equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years experience in a 3rd line support or senior systems role.
• Strong experience with Windows Server (2016+), Azure (cloud & local), and VMware environments.
• Strong networking knowledge including TCP/IP, VPNs, and modern network architectures.
• Advanced administration of Microsoft Azure, 365 and hybrid identity environments.
• Experience with security and infrastructure monitoring platforms and alert response.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure, identity, and application issues.
• Strong documentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and maintain attention to detail.

Desirable

• ITIL Foundation (or equivalent service management experience).
• PowerShell or other scripting/automation experience.
• Experience supporting ERP systems (e.g. Sage X3).
• SharePoint administration and site development.
• SQL Server querying or administration experience.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

• Head of Digital Systems.
• Digital Systems Operations Manager.
• Digital Systems Security Engineer.
• Solutions Desk Team.

External

• IT suppliers, vendors, and support partners.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Willingness to travel to Group sites as required.
• Role reports to the Head of Digital Systems.
• Occasional out of hours and weekend work for CI initiatives and/or maintenance.

COMPETENCIES

• Tech Savvy: Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.
• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Nimble Learning: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.

The closing date for applications is: 7 July 2026. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this role earlier than planned.