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- 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 personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enjoy a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mission-critical projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 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
- You’ll lead 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
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 & Personal Development Opportunities
Ready to Take the Lead?
If you’re keen to advance your career in a high-stakes, fast-moving environment, we’d love to hear from you. Join Thorn SDS and become a key contributor to delivering secure, reliable server solutions where they matter most. All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK. Apply now and help shape the future of secure infrastructure.
Senior Server Engineer in Hereford employer: Thorn SDS
Contact Detail:
Thorn SDS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Server Engineer in Hereford
✨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. Attend meetups or online webinars to get your name out there and make valuable contacts.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to server infrastructure and automation. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Practice common interview questions related to server management and security hardening to impress your interviewers.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Thorn SDS.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Server Engineer in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Server Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Windows Server, Linux, and virtualisation platforms. 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. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills in your application. Mention specific tools and technologies you've worked with, like Ansible or PowerShell. We’re keen to see your hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thorn SDS
✨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 your hands-on experience with server infrastructure and any complex issues you've resolved in the past.
✨Showcase Your Security Savvy
Since this role involves security clearance, be prepared to talk about your experience with security hardening and compliance. Highlight any specific projects where you implemented host-based security controls or worked closely with security teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Automation Skills
Automation is key in this role, so come armed with examples of how you've used tools like Ansible or PowerShell for server provisioning and configuration management. Discuss any scripts you've written and how they improved efficiency.
✨Be a Team Player
This position requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've guided or mentored junior engineers. Emphasise your communication skills and how you adapt to evolving technologies and best practices.