At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and maintain critical Windows infrastructure and VDI environments for UK Defence.
- Company: Join Thorn SDS, a leading Managed Service Provider in Defence and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a secure environment with excellent growth potential and collaborative teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while advancing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, and enterprise-scale IT environments required.
The predicted salary is between 50310 - 61490 £ per year.
Windows Server | Active Directory | Citrix | VMware Horizon | SQL Server | Group Policy | Defence | ITIL
Help deliver the infrastructure behind the UK's critical defence operations.
Are you an experienced
Infrastructure Engineer with expertise in Windows Server and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure?
We're looking for a
Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) to join a nationally significant UK Defence programme, supporting the Windows infrastructure and virtual desktop environments that enable critical operational capabilities across the UK and overseas.
If you enjoy solving complex infrastructure challenges, working with enterprise-scale Microsoft technologies and supporting systems where resilience and security are paramount, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact while developing your career in one of the UK's most advanced secure IT environments.
About Thorn SDS
Thorn SDS is a specialist Managed Service Provider headquartered in Alton, Hampshire.
We partner with organisations across the Space, Defence and Security sectors, connecting exceptional technical professionals with some of the UK's most challenging and rewarding programmes.
About the Programme
You'll be joining a major transformation programme modernising the Ministry of Defence's deployable IT capability.
The programme is replacing legacy communication and information systems with modern, resilient and secure platforms.
As part of the Through Life Support (TLS) team, you'll help ensure these critical services remain secure, available and fully operational throughout their lifecycle.
The Role
As a
Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) , you'll provide advanced 2nd and 3rd line support across enterprise Windows infrastructure and Virtual Desktop environments that underpin mission-critical defence systems.
Working within the Service Operations and Resolver Group teams, you'll investigate complex incidents, maintain critical Microsoft platforms and collaborate with infrastructure, networking and application specialists to ensure services remain resilient, secure and highly available.
Please note: This role focuses exclusively on Microsoft Windows infrastructure and VDI technologies. Linux administration is not part of this position.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting, maintaining and troubleshooting enterprise Windows Server environments (2016, 2019 and 2022).
- Administering Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP and core Microsoft infrastructure services.
- Managing Microsoft SQL Server environments.
- Providing advanced 2nd and 3rd line support across Windows infrastructure and VDI platforms.
- Supporting and maintaining Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops and/or VMware Horizon environments.
- Deploying operating system updates, security patches and infrastructure improvements.
- Monitoring infrastructure health, performance and capacity to ensure maximum availability.
- Investigating complex technical issues and carrying out root cause analysis.
- Supporting ITIL-aligned incident, problem and change management processes.
- Working collaboratively with networking, application and service teams to improve platform resilience and performance.
- Producing and maintaining technical documentation, knowledge articles and operational procedures.
What We're Looking For
You'll be an experienced Infrastructure Engineer who enjoys working in secure, enterprise-scale environments and solving complex technical challenges.
You'll ideally have experience with
- Windows Server 2016, 2019 and 2022 administration.
- Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS and DHCP.
- Microsoft SQL Server.
- Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops and/or VMware Horizon.
- Enterprise Windows infrastructure support.
- ITIL service management processes.
- Network fundamentals and Windows application support.
- Performance tuning, patch management and infrastructure optimisation.
- Secure, regulated or defence environments (highly desirable).
You'll also have excellent analytical, troubleshooting and communication skills and be comfortable working full-time onsite in Corsham.
What's In It For You?
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll receive
- 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Employer pension contributions.
- Group Life Insurance.
- Dental & Health Cashback Plan.
- Wellbeing services including GP access, physiotherapy and lifestyle savings.
- Thorn Wellbeing Support Contribution.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
- Supported training, certifications and professional development.
- The opportunity to work on one of the UK's most significant defence technology programmes.
- Exposure to enterprise-scale Microsoft infrastructure within a highly secure environment.
- The chance to collaborate with experienced engineers on technically complex projects that have a genuine operational impact.
- Security Requirements
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and either already hold, or be eligible to obtain, a high level of UK National Security Clearance.
Please note that, due to the nature of our work, nationality, previous nationalities and country of birth may affect eligibility for certain security-cleared positions.
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Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) 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 Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI)
✨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 Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI)
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.
