At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and maintain critical Windows infrastructure and virtual desktop environments for UK Defence.
- Company: Join Thorn SDS, a leading Managed Service Provider in Defence and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, competitive salary, 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 VDI technologies required.
The predicted salary is between 50481 - 61699 £ 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.
If you're an experienced Infrastructure Engineer looking to work on complex Microsoft technologies in a secure, mission-critical environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and join Thorn SDS to help deliver the resilient infrastructure that supports the UK's defence capability.
Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) in Corsham employer: Thorn SDS
Thorn SDS is an exceptional employer located in Hereford, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive pension plans, health coverage, and continuous training opportunities, fostering both personal and professional growth. With a focus on mentoring and a commitment to security and performance, this role provides a meaningful chance to make a significant impact within a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) in Corsham
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) role you’re after at Thorn SDS.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Thorn SDS a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Thorn SDS.
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When you spot a role like Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) at Thorn SDS, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) in Corsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Thorn SDS a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Thorn SDS specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thorn SDS
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Thorn SDS, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Thorn SDS want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
