Senior IT Engineer in Basingstoke

Take the Next Step in Your Defence Engineering Career

Thorn SDS is a niche Managed Service Provider, who are committed to enabling technology organisations and professionals to thrive within the Space, Defence and Security sectors.

Join Thorn SDS as a Senior IT Engineer, taking greater ownership of technical delivery across Defence and Security environments. You’ll remain hands-on while solving more complex problems, delivering project work and supporting less experienced engineers.

What You’ll Do

Install, configure and support IT hardware, software, servers and infrastructure.

• Diagnose and resolve complex hardware, software, operating system and network issues.




• Deliver network and infrastructure work including switching, routing, VLANs, cabling and connectivity.




• Plan and deliver upgrades, deployments, migrations and decommissioning activities.




• Own defined work packages or smaller technical projects, including testing and documentation.




• Produce and maintain accurate technical, configuration and asset documentation.




• Work with customers, project teams and technical stakeholders to resolve delivery issues.




• Provide technical guidance, coaching and knowledge sharing to IT Engineers and colleagues.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll have established hands‑on IT engineering experience and be comfortable working independently. Experience in several of the following would be valuable:

• Windows desktop and server environments, Microsoft 365 and Active Directory.




• TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, switching, routing and VLANs.




• IT infrastructure, structured cabling and hardware deployment.




• Linux or other operating systems.




• Technical troubleshooting, documentation and project delivery.




• Mentoring or supporting less experienced technical colleagues.




• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Security+, Microsoft certifications or Cisco CCNA are welcome, but practical capability, communication and continued technical development are most important.

What You’ll Get

• 25 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays and length‑of‑service increases.




• Company pension, Life Insurance, Health & Dental Cashback Plans and EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme.




• Wellbeing services, including access to a GP and physiotherapy.




• Support towards professional certifications and ongoing technical development.




• A clear route into Specialist / Lead roles across Infrastructure, Networking, Cloud or Cyber Security.




• Employer Pension Contributions

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.

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.