At a Glance
- Tasks: Install and configure IT hardware, troubleshoot issues, and support engineering projects.
- Company: Join Thorn SDS, a leader in Space, Defence, and Security technology.
- Benefits: Earn £25,000 – £30,000, enjoy 25 days holiday, and access health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with ongoing training and the chance to specialise in various tech fields.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on experience and clear progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Practical IT experience and a passion for technology; certifications are a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Ready to take your IT career to the next level? Perhaps you’ve spent the last year or two working in IT Support, Service Desk, Desktop Support, Infrastructure or Networking and you’re ready for something more hands-on — with a clear route to progress your career. At Thorn SDS, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers supporting technology within the Space, Defence and Security sectors. This isn’t a traditional IT support role. You’ll gain practical engineering experience across hardware, software, networks and infrastructure, working in secure and mission-critical environments while building the skills to progress into more advanced engineering roles.
Develop Your Engineering Career
We want this role to be a genuine step forward in your career. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers, gaining hands-on exposure to technologies and secure environments you may not encounter in a conventional IT support role. As your skills and confidence grow, you’ll take on greater technical responsibility, more complex engineering work and increased ownership of projects. Your progression could look like: Junior IT Engineer → IT Engineer → Senior IT Engineer → Beyond.
We’ll support your progression through:
- Hands-on mentoring from experienced engineers
- Structured technical learning and development
- Support towards recognised industry certifications
- Exposure to different technologies, projects and environments
- Increasing technical responsibility as your skills develop
- Opportunities to move into specialist technical roles
What You’ll Be Doing
No two projects are the same. As a Junior IT Engineer, you could be:
- 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
- Assisting experienced engineers on technical projects and on-site activities
- Managing IT equipment, assets and technical documentation
As you progress, the work progresses with you — moving from supporting engineering activities to taking ownership of increasingly complex technical tasks and projects.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone with practical IT experience who is ready to build on their existing skills and develop into an accomplished IT Engineer. Experience or knowledge in some of the following would be useful:
- 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 would be an advantage, but they’re not essential. Hands-on experience, technical aptitude and a willingness to learn are just as important. We’re looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, is curious about technology, communicates well and is comfortable getting hands-on with IT equipment.
What You’ll Get
£25,000 – £30,000 salary, depending on experience
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- Monday-to-Friday working
- Company pension and Life Insurance
- Health & Dental Cashback Plans
- Wellbeing services, including access to a GP and physiotherapy
- Ongoing technical training and development
- Support towards professional certifications
- Clear Junior IT Engineer → IT Engineer → Senior IT Engineer progression
- Opportunities to specialise in Infrastructure, Networking, Cloud or Cyber Security
Ready for Your Next Move?
Don’t just take another IT support job. Build your engineering career. Apply now and take the next step towards becoming an experienced IT Engineer with Thorn SDS.
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.
Junior IT Engineer in Farnborough 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 Junior IT Engineer in Farnborough
✨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 Junior IT Engineer in Farnborough
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.
