At a Glance
- Tasks: Build your IT career with hands-on projects and structured training in Defence Engineering.
- Company: Join Thorn SDS, a leader in Defence and Security technology.
- Benefits: Earn £30,000 - £35,000, enjoy 25 days leave, and access health benefits.
- Other info: Clear career progression from Junior IT Engineer to Senior roles.
- Why this job: Launch your engineering career with real-world experience and mentoring from experts.
- Qualifications: IT-related degree or 2-3 years of practical IT experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Build Your IT Career Through Our Defence Engineering Academy. If you have an IT-related degree or around 2-3 years of practical IT experience and want a clear route into engineering within the Defence & Security sector, this role is designed to help you make that move.
At Thorn SDS, you’ll join experienced engineers supporting technology across the Defence and Security sectors, while developing your skills through structured Academy training and hands-on project experience. This is more than a traditional IT support role. You’ll build practical engineering capability across hardware, software, networks and infrastructure, with the support, training and mentoring to progress confidently into more advanced technical roles.
A Career Path, Not Just a Job. We want this role to be a genuine launchpad for your long-term IT engineering career. From day one, you’ll combine Academy learning with practical experience alongside experienced engineers, gaining exposure to technologies and secure environments you may not encounter in a conventional support role. As your skills and confidence grow, you’ll take on greater technical responsibility, more complex engineering work and increased ownership of projects - with clear development goals along the way.
Your career pathway could look like:
- Junior IT Engineer → IT Engineer → Senior IT Engineer → Specialist / Lead roles
Your Academy and development journey will include:
- A structured learning pathway alongside real engineering work
- Hands-on mentoring and coaching from experienced engineers
- Support towards recognised professional and technical certifications
- Exposure to different technologies, projects and secure environments
- Regular opportunities to build confidence, capability and responsibility
- Routes into specialist areas such as Infrastructure, Networking, Cloud or Cyber Security
What You’ll Learn and Do. You won’t be expected to know everything on day one. With support from the team, you’ll develop experience in areas such as:
- Installing, configuring and commissioning IT hardware and software
- Setting up PCs, workstations, servers and associated equipment
- Supporting network and infrastructure installations
- Troubleshooting hardware, software and connectivity issues
- Supporting upgrades, deployments and decommissioning
- Working with structured cabling and physical IT infrastructure
- Working alongside experienced engineers on technical projects and on-site activities
- Managing IT equipment, assets and technical documentation
As you progress through the Academy, the work progresses with you - from supported technical activities to ownership of increasingly complex tasks and projects.
Who We’d Love to Hear From. This could be a great next step if you have an IT-related degree, or around 2-3 years of experience in IT support, service desk, desktop support, infrastructure, networking or a similar technical environment. You may have experience or knowledge in some of the following:
- IT hardware and software troubleshooting
- Windows desktop and/or server environments
- Microsoft 365 and Active Directory
- PC builds, configuration and deployment
- Networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS and DHCP
- Switches, routers, VLANs or network troubleshooting
- Linux or other operating systems
- IT infrastructure or structured cabling
Qualifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft certifications or Cisco CCNA are welcome, but they are not essential. We value practical ability, curiosity, communication and the motivation to keep learning. You do not need to match every item on the list to apply. If you enjoy solving problems, are curious about technology and want to grow into an engineering career, we’d like to hear from you.
What You’ll Get:
- £30,000 - £35,000 salary, depending on experience
- 25 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays and length-of-service increases
- Monday-to-Friday working
- Company pension and Life Insurance
- Health & Dental Cashback Plans
- EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Wellbeing services, including access to a GP and physiotherapy
- Structured Academy training and ongoing technical development
- Support towards professional certifications
- A clear IT Engineer → Senior IT Engineer career pathway
- Opportunities to specialise in Infrastructure, Networking, Cloud or Cyber Security
Ready to Build What Comes Next? Turn your IT foundation into an engineering career, with structured training, mentoring and a clear path to progress. Apply now to join Thorn SDS and start building the skills, experience and confidence for your next technical step.
Important Information: All applicants must already hold the Right to Work in the UK. Successful applicants will be required to obtain the appropriate UK Government Security Clearance prior to appointment and must meet the required eligibility criteria. Due to the nature of our work, factors including nationality, previous nationalities and country of birth may affect the projects or roles for which an individual is eligible. Further information on national security vetting and clearance eligibility is available on GOV.UK. A full UK driving licence would be advantageous, as occasional UK travel may be required.
IT Engineer in Basingstoke employer: Thorn SDS
Thorn SDS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Space, Defence, and Security sectors. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and skills transfer, ensuring our team members thrive in their roles. Our hybrid working model in Bristol allows for flexibility while maintaining a supportive culture that values safety and compliance, making it an ideal place for skilled professionals to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Engineer in Basingstoke
✨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 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 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!
✨Direct Apply to Thorn SDS
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Thorn SDS 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 IT Engineer in Basingstoke
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.
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. 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
✨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.
