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 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Server Engineer in Hereford
✨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 Thorn SDS Ltd 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 Thorn SDS Ltd 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 Thorn SDS Ltd!
✨Direct Apply to Thorn SDS Ltd
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Thorn SDS Ltd 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 Senior Server Engineer in Hereford
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 Thorn SDS Ltd.
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 Thorn SDS Ltd. 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 Thorn SDS Ltd
✨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.
