At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex technical issues and support high-security systems for defence and aerospace.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in innovative defence technology with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; be part of something bigger!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while advancing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience with Windows Server and high-security MOD systems required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 71400 £ per year.
Salary Range £60,000 - £71,400. Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Your Impact: Leonardo is looking for a 3rd Line Platform Engineer to join our collaborative and skilled team supporting a critical MOD site. This is an exciting opportunity to serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Windows-based enterprise infrastructures. You'll play a central role in the design, deployment, and support of high-security systems that underpin key defence and aerospace operations. This role is based full‑time on site in London and requires DV clearance.
What You Will Do:
- Take ownership of complex technical issues through to resolution, collaborating with users and other IT teams.
- Provide expert-level troubleshooting for incidents escalated from 1st and 2nd line support, ensuring consistent and minimal disruption to services.
- Deploy and integrate secure Windows Server environments (Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP) using industry best practices.
- Implement and maintain infrastructure security measures such as patching, access controls, and hardening to align with compliance and internal governance.
- Use monitoring tools to proactively optimise system performance and ensure high availability.
- Create and maintain detailed technical documentation and contribute to internal knowledge sharing and mentoring.
- Participate in IT projects, ensuring infrastructure design meets both technical and business objectives.
- Collaborate closely with network, security, and application teams to deliver reliable, secure IT services.
What You'll Bring:
- Proficiency in Ivanti Application & Device Control or similar lockdown tools.
- Experience working with high-security MOD systems and secure design principles.
- Familiarity with security and compliance documentation (e.g. RMADS, SyOPs, NIST frameworks).
Core Technologies:
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019/2022/2025 Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP
- Exchange Server 2019, SQL Server, SharePoint 2019
- VMware Cloud Foundation vSphere, ESXi, NSXT, and vSAN
- Windows 10 & 11 Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM)
- Microsoft System Centre Operations Manager (SCOM)
- Microsoft Certificate Services, Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), and lifecycle key management
Security Clearance: This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply; this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Benefits:
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
Be part of something bigger – apply now!
Primary Location: GB - London - Whitehall
Contract Type: Permanent Hybrid Working Onsite
Principal Platform Engineer employer: Leonardo
Leonardo UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets security. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and flexible working options, as well as extensive opportunities for professional development through access to thousands of online courses, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to contribute to critical defence and aerospace operations while enjoying a culture that champions inclusion and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Platform Engineer
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Leonardo values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Leonardo might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Leonardo!
✨Direct Apply to Leonardo
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Leonardo website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Platform Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Leonardo.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Leonardo. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
