IT Security & Infrastructure Engineer in Newton Aycliffe

Octric Semiconductor is a new name in the compound semiconductor foundry space. Its devices are used in mission‑critical defence and commercial applications. For over 25 years, we have delivered more than 1.5 billion devices shipped from our site to date. Octric has ambitious plans to grow the company and expand with new products and applications, supported by a 10‑year investment plan. Following significant investment from the UK Ministry of Defence, we now have a bright new path ahead. As part of an emerging semiconductor cluster in the northeast, we are focused on developing advanced technology for the next generation of semiconductors. We are looking to fill a number of exciting roles across device design, innovation, manufacturing, and reliability. Located in Newton Aycliffe, UK, we occupy a 10,000 m² purpose‑built Class 100 manufacturing facility fully equipped to produce state‑of‑the‑art compound semiconductor products. Octric is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Our company values different perspectives and experiences, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can thrive. We have family‑friendly employee policies, a culture that respects work‑life balance, and a competitive benefits package. We are committed to personal and professional progression and development. Be part of our journey and join our team driving innovation in a cutting‑edge industry.

Responsibilities

• The IT Security & Infrastructure Engineer is responsible for maintaining, improving and securing Octric’s core IT infrastructure while supporting the organisation’s cyber security and compliance requirements.
• This is a practical, hands-on role focused on the day-to-day management of infrastructure, security controls, and operational IT support across the business.
• The role combines infrastructure ownership with cyber security responsibilities, including vulnerability remediation, secure configuration management and supporting the ongoing maintenance and yearly recertification of Octric’s Cyber Essentials (CE) and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certifications.
• The role will also support infrastructure improvements, project delivery and operational IT activities to ensure systems remain secure, resilient and fit for purpose while delivering a positive user experience across the business.

Infrastructure Management

• Cloud and on-prem infrastructure
• Networking and connectivity services
• Storage, backup and recovery solutions
• Identity and access management platforms
• Ensure systems remain secure, resilient, patched and performing as expected.
• Monitor infrastructure health, performance and capacity, proactively identifying risks and improvement opportunities.
• Lead or support infrastructure upgrades, migrations and improvement initiatives.
• Act as a 2nd line escalation point for technical incidents, problems, and service requests where required.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, diagrams, and operational procedures.

Security & Cyber Responsibilities

• Support and maintain Octric’s cyber security controls and best practices across infrastructure and end point environments.
• Coordinate and support the yearly Cyber Essentials (CE) and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification and recertification activities.
• Assist with vulnerability management activities, including remediation and patching.
• Support secure configuration, system hardening and access management processes.
• Work with internal teams and external partners to reduce infrastructure and cyber security risk.
• Support compliance activities, audits, and security reviews where required.
• Assist in promoting cybersecurity awareness and good security practices across the business.
• Provide 1st and 2nd line support for incidents and service requests when needed.
• Cover service desk duties during periods of holidays, sickness or absence with the IT team.
• Support Users across devices, Applications, access and connectivity issues.
• Manage onboarding and offboarding activities.
• Ensure tickets are logged, updated and resolved in line with agreed service levels (SLAs).
• Maintain a friendly, professional and customer-focused approach when supporting the business.
• Work closely with the Lead IT System Administrator and Security Controller, along with wider stakeholders across the business.
• Provide input into infrastructure & Security strategy, roadmaps and future improvement.
• Identify opportunities to standardise, automate and improve IT operations and security controls.
• Share knowledge and support team development where appropriate.
• Assist with maintaining operational resilience and business continuity processes.

Experience

• Proven experience within an Infrastructure, Systems Administration or IT Security role.
• Experience supporting and maintaining core IT infrastructure environments.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft 365, Windows Server, Active Directory and end point technologies.
• Experience supporting cyber security best practices across infrastructure and user environments.
• Experience managing patching, vulnerability remediation and system hardening activities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across technical and non-technical teams.
• Comfortable balancing project work with BAU operational support.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server environments.
• Microsoft 365 / O365 administration.
• Active Directory & Entra ID administration.
• Endpoint management technologies, including Microsoft Intune and Autopilot.
• Understanding of TCP/IP networking fundamentals.
• Experience with patch management and vulnerability remediation processes.
• Understanding of endpoint security and access management principles.
• Ability to maintain and support secure infrastructure environments.

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrates a proactive and security-minded approach.
• Able to prioritise workload and respond effectively to changing business needs.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving capability.
• Capable of working independently while knowing when escalation is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible and willing to support wider IT operational activities when required.
• Comfortable working within a small, hands-on IT team environment.

Education / Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience within a similar IT infrastructure or security-focused environment.
• Relevant technical experience or equivalent practical knowledge.

If you don’t meet all listed qualifications but feel this role aligns with your skills and career aspirations, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to providing accommodations during the application process to ensure accessibility for all candidates.