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 the Space, Defence, and Security sectors.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, health cashback, pension contributions, and wellbeing services.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and work with cutting-edge technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving resilient infrastructure in mission-critical settings.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in server engineering, strong technical skills, and excellent troubleshooting abilities.
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
- Leading 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
Senior Server Engineer 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 wellbeing, generous annual leave, and comprehensive health benefits, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, empowering our team to take ownership of their projects while supporting their professional growth. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation 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
✨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. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Senior Server Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on with your skills! If you can, set up a home lab to practice deploying and managing server platforms. The more you can demonstrate your technical capabilities, the better your chances of impressing during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your troubleshooting skills. Be ready to discuss complex platform issues you've resolved in the past. Show us how you think analytically and approach problem-solving!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Thorn SDS.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Server Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Server Engineer role. Highlight your experience with server platforms, virtualisation, and automation tools. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or experiences that stand out.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be specific about your technical capabilities. Mention your experience with Windows Server, Linux, and any automation tools like Ansible or PowerShell. We love seeing concrete examples of your work!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 tools and processes you used, and how you approached the problem. This will demonstrate your analytical mindset and ability to handle challenges effectively.
✨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 a Team Player
Thorn SDS values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about your experience working in multidisciplinary teams. Share instances where you've guided or mentored junior engineers, as this shows your leadership potential and ability to contribute to a positive team dynamic.
