Build Your IT Career Through Our Defence Engineering Academy
If you have an IT-related degree or around 2-3 years of practical IT experience and want a clear route into engineering within the Defence & Security sector, this role is designed to help you make that move.
At Thorn SDS, you’ll join experienced engineers supporting technology across the Defence and Security sectors, while developing your skills through structured Academy training and hands‑on project experience.
This is more than a traditional IT support role. You’ll build practical engineering capability across hardware, software, networks and infrastructure, with the support, training and mentoring to progress confidently into more advanced technical roles.
A Career Path, Not Just a Job
We want this role to be a genuine launchpad for your long-term IT engineering career.
From day one, you’ll combine Academy learning with practical experience alongside experienced engineers, gaining exposure to technologies and secure environments you may not encounter in a conventional support role.
As your skills and confidence grow, you’ll take on greater technical responsibility, more complex engineering work and increased ownership of projects - with clear development goals along the way.
Your career pathway could look like:
Junior IT Engineer IT Engineer Senior IT Engineer Specialist / Lead roles
Your Academy and development journey will include:
- A structured learning pathway alongside real engineering work
- Hands‑on mentoring and coaching from experienced engineers
- Support towards recognised professional and technical certifications
- Exposure to different technologies, projects and secure environments
- Regular opportunities to build confidence, capability and responsibility
- Routes into specialist areas such as Infrastructure, Networking, Cloud or Cyber Security
What You’ll Learn and Do
You won’t be expected to know everything on day one. With support from the team, you’ll develop experience in areas such as:
- Installing, configuring and commissioning IT hardware and software
- Setting up PCs, workstations, servers and associated equipment
- Supporting network and infrastructure installations
- Troubleshooting hardware, software and connectivity issues
- Supporting upgrades, deployments and decommissioning
- Working with structured cabling and physical IT infrastructure
- Working alongside experienced engineers on technical projects and on‑site activities
- Managing IT equipment, assets and technical documentation
As you progress through the Academy, the work progresses with you - from supported technical activities to ownership of increasingly complex tasks and projects.
Who We’d Love to Hear From
This could be a great next step if you have an IT-related degree, or around 2-3 years of experience in IT support, service desk, desktop support, infrastructure, networking or a similar technical environment.
You may have experience or knowledge in some of the following:
- IT hardware and software troubleshooting
- Windows desktop and/or server environments
- Microsoft 365 and Active Directory
- PC builds, configuration and deployment
- Networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS and DHCP
- Switches, routers, VLANs or network troubleshooting
- Linux or other operating systems
- IT infrastructure or structured cabling
Qualifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft certifications or Cisco CCNA are welcome, but they are not essential. We value practical ability, curiosity, communication and the motivation to keep learning.
You do not need to match every item on the list to apply. If you enjoy solving problems, are curious about technology and want to grow into an engineering career, we’d like to hear from you.
What You’ll Get
- £30,000 - £35,000 salary, depending on experience
- 25 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays and length‑of‑service increases
- Monday‑to‑Friday working
- Company pension and Life Insurance
- Health & Dental Cashback Plans
- EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Wellbeing services, including access to a GP and physiotherapy
- Structured Academy training and ongoing technical development
- Support towards professional certifications
- A clear IT Engineer Senior IT Engineer career pathway
- Opportunities to specialise in Infrastructure, Networking, Cloud or Cyber Security
Ready to Build What Comes Next?
Turn your IT foundation into an engineering career, with structured training, mentoring and a clear path to progress.
Important Information
All applicants must already hold the Right to Work in the UK.
Successful applicants will be required to obtain the appropriate UK Government Security Clearance prior to appointment and must meet the required eligibility criteria.
Due to the nature of our work, factors including nationality, previous nationalities and country of birth may affect the projects or roles for which an individual is eligible. Further information on national security vetting and clearance eligibility is available on GOV.UK.
A full UK driving licence would be advantageous, as occasional UK travel may be required.
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IT Engineer in Basingstoke employer: Thorn SDS Ltd
Thorn SDS is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture within the Space, Defence and Security sectors. With a focus on professional development, employees benefit from training opportunities, hybrid working arrangements, and comprehensive wellbeing support, making it an ideal place for those seeking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
