At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and optimise IT applications for a national defence programme.
- Company: Join a leading organisation transforming UK Defence IT capabilities.
- Benefits: Pension contributions, life insurance, wellbeing services, and training support.
- Other info: Full-time onsite role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mission-critical applications in secure environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in applications support at Level 3 or 4 with strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you a skilled Applications Engineer looking to support a nationally significant UK Defence programme? This is a unique opportunity to join a high-impact programme delivering next-generation deployable IT services to support operations both in the UK and overseas.
About the Programme
The programme is transforming the MOD’s deployable IT capability across Land and Maritime domains. It is replacing legacy CIS services with a modern, secure, and resilient in-house solution designed to meet the demands of frontline operations. A core element of this transformation is the delivery of robust Through Life Support (TLS) services—ensuring systems remain operational, secure, and fully supported in dynamic and often challenging environments.
The Role
As a Level 3 or 4 Applications Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting, maintaining, and optimising the suite of deployed IT applications used across the programme. You will work closely with Service Desk, Resolver Groups, and other engineering teams to ensure applications perform reliably in operational contexts.
- Provide Level 3 or Level 4 support for deployed applications, including troubleshooting, configuration, and optimisation
- Ensure application performance, availability, and security in line with MOD and programme standards
- Work with resolver groups and Level 4 engineers for escalated incidents and complex issues
- Deploy updates, patches, and enhancements across operational environments
- Collaborate with developers and system engineers to implement fixes and enhancements
- Participate in testing, validation, and release of software changes
- Document application support procedures, configurations, and known issues
- Ensure compliance with ITIL-aligned service management processes
Level 3: Focuses on operational support, troubleshooting, and routine deployments
Level 4: Leads complex problem resolution, escalations, and process improvements
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in applications support or engineering at SFIA Level 3 or Level 4
- Strong knowledge of enterprise or mission-critical applications used in UK Defence, especially MOTS or NATO
- Experience with application troubleshooting, patching, and optimisation
- Understanding of ITIL service management and incident management processes
- Experience in secure or regulated environments, ideally defence/MOD
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to work on-site at Corsham full-time
Due to the nature of this work, candidates must be eligible for appropriate UK security clearance. All applicants must hold the Right to Work in the UK and already possess, or be eligible to obtain, a high level of National Security Clearance. Due to the nature of our business, your nationality, previous nationalities, and country of birth may influence the types of roles for which you are eligible.
Why Join?
- Work on a mission-critical national defence programme
- Support mission-critical applications used in operational theatre
- Opportunity to develop skills in highly secure, complex IT environments
- Employer Pension Contributions
- Group Life Insurance
- Wellbeing Services (includes GP, Physio and Savings Benefits)
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Supported Training
Applications Engineer (L3/L4) employer: Thorn SDS
Join a leading employer dedicated to supporting the UK's national defence programme as an Applications Engineer in Corsham. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive training opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values innovation and problem-solving. Enjoy competitive benefits including pension contributions, life insurance, and wellbeing services, all while contributing to mission-critical IT solutions in a secure and dynamic environment.
