At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and support of secure server infrastructure in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Thorn SDS, a specialist Managed Service Provider in Space, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, health cashback, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enjoy excellent career growth in a secure setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mission-critical environments while advancing your tech career.
- Qualifications: Experience in server engineering, strong troubleshooting skills, and familiarity with automation tools.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Thorn SDS is a specialist Managed Service Provider based in Alton, Hampshire. We empower technology professionals and organisations across the Space, Defence, and Security sectors — and now, we’re expanding our team with an experienced Senior Server Engineer who’s ready to drive resilient, secure infrastructure. This is a full-time, on-site role (5 days per week) at a secure location in Hereford.
You’ll be operating at SFIA Level 5, taking technical ownership of server platforms and supporting mission‑critical compute environments in specialist settings.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work, you must hold – or be eligible to obtain – a high level of National Security Clearance. Some UK travel with overnight stays may be required.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll lead the design, deployment and support of server infrastructure, getting hands‑on across a broad range of responsibilities, including:
- Designing, deploying and maintaining physical and virtual server platforms (Windows Server, Linux distributions, VMware, Hyper‑V)
- Building and managing compute clusters, virtualisation hosts and hyperconverged infrastructure
- Implementing and supporting enterprise storage integration, SAN/NAS and backup/restore solutions
- Automating server provisioning, configuration management and patching using tools such as Ansible, PowerShell, or equivalent
- Hardening servers to meet security standards, implementing host‑based security controls and working with the security team on compliance
- Monitoring server health, capacity planning and performance tuning with suitable tooling and processes
- Troubleshooting complex platform issues and supporting test and acceptance activities in controlled environments
- Working with cloud teams to deliver hybrid and cloud‑native compute solutions where required
- Contributing to PI (Program Increment) planning, documentation, runbooks and cross‑functional delivery
- Guiding and enabling colleagues, with scope to supervise or mentor more junior engineers
What You’ll Bring
Proven experience as a Senior Server Engineer or similar role delivering enterprise server infrastructure. Strong technical capability across:
- Windows Server and Linux administration
- Virtualisation platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V, or equivalent)
- Storage and backup technologies
- Automation and scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Ansible, etc.)
- Monitoring, logging and capacity management
- Security hardening and patch management
Excellent troubleshooting skills with the ability to resolve complex platform issues. Relevant certifications (e.g., MCSA/MCSE, RHCE, VMware VCP) are desirable but not essential. Strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Analytical mindset with attention to detail and strong documentation habits. Comfortable adapting to evolving technologies and industry best practice. Previous Defence experience preferred.
What’s In It For You
25 days Annual Leave (plus Bank Holidays), Employer Pension Contributions, Group Life Insurance, Dental Cashback Plan, Health Cashback Plan, Wellbeing Services (includes GP, Physio and Savings Benefits), Thorn Wellbeing Support Contribution, Cycle to Work Scheme, Supported Training & Personal Development Opportunities.
Ready to Take the Lead?
If you’re keen to advance your career in a high‑stakes, fast‑moving environment, we’d love to hear from you. Join Thorn SDS and become a key contributor to delivering secure, reliable server solutions where they matter most. All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK. Apply now and help shape the future of secure infrastructure.
Senior Server Engineer in Hereford employer: Thorn SDS Ltd
Thorn SDS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Alton, Hampshire, where technology professionals can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide extensive training and personal development opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, health cashback plans, and wellbeing services. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and security in the Space, Defence, and Security sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Server Engineer in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those in the Space, Defence, and Security sectors. Attend meetups or online webinars to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects related to server infrastructure, automation, and security hardening. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions specific to Windows Server, Linux, and virtualisation platforms. Practice explaining complex concepts clearly, as communication is key in multidisciplinary teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Thorn SDS and contributing to secure infrastructure solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Server Engineer in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Server Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Windows Server, Linux, and virtualisation platforms. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Projects:Include specific projects where you've designed or deployed server infrastructure. We love seeing real-world examples of your work, especially if they relate to security and compliance.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for your skills and achievements to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thorn SDS Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially around Windows Server, Linux, and virtualisation platforms like VMware and Hyper-V. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed or deployed server infrastructure, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of complex platform issues you've troubleshot in the past. Think about the steps you took to resolve these issues and how you collaborated with your team. This will demonstrate your analytical mindset and ability to work under pressure.
✨Understand Security Standards
Since security is a big deal for this role, make sure you’re familiar with security hardening practices and compliance requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented host-based security controls in previous roles, as this will highlight your commitment to maintaining secure environments.
✨Be Ready to Lead and Mentor
As a Senior Server Engineer, you'll likely be guiding junior engineers. Think about your leadership style and be prepared to discuss how you've mentored others in the past. This will show that you're not just technically skilled but also a great team player.
