At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess and design Microsoft PKI solutions while ensuring security and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading tech firm in Maidenhead, UK, focused on innovative IT solutions.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing security in a dynamic enterprise environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft PKI/AD CS and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are looking for an experienced Microsoft PKI / AD CS Specialist to assess, design and support implementation of an on-premise certificate lifecycle management solution for a Microsoft-based enterprise environment.
Responsibilities
- Current‑State PKI Assessment
- Review the existing on‑premise Microsoft CA / AD CS configuration.
- Assess CA hierarchy, root/intermediate CA design, issuing CA configuration and certificate policies.
- Review certificate templates, issuance permissions, auto‑enrolment settings and approval workflows.
- Assess CRL, OCSP, revocation checking and certificate chain availability.
- Review current server certificate usage across domain‑joined, internal, SQL/SSRS and DMZ/workgroup servers.
- Identify current risks, gaps and improvement areas in certificate lifecycle management.
- Target PKI Architecture
- Design a secure and supportable Microsoft PKI / AD CS target architecture.
- Define certificate templates for internal server authentication, SQL Server, SSRS, application portals and internal HTTPS endpoints.
- Define certificate validity periods, renewal periods, key lengths, algorithms, SAN naming standards and subject naming conventions.
- Define auto‑enrolment patterns for domain‑joined Windows servers.
- Define secure issuance and renewal options for non‑domain‑joined DMZ/workgroup servers.
- Recommend whether the existing CA can be reused, remediated or additional configuration is required.
- Produce practical design documentation suitable for infrastructure, security and operations teams.
- Certificate Lifecycle and Automation
- Define certificate request, approval, issuance, deployment, renewal and revocation processes.
- Design GPO‑based certificate auto‑enrolment where appropriate.
- Advise on scripted or manual certificate issuance patterns where auto‑enrolment is not suitable.
- Define monitoring and alerting requirements for expiring certificates.
- Support integration with operational processes, including change management, CAB, maintenance windows and service validation.
- Advise on whether third‑party certificate lifecycle tools are required or whether native Microsoft capabilities are sufficient.
- Security and Compliance
- Ensure the PKI design aligns with security best practice and audit expectations.
- Define auditable controls for certificate issuance, renewal, revocation and administrative access.
- Support ISO 27001‑style evidence requirements, including proof that certificates are monitored, renewed and controlled.
- Identify and document risks associated with self‑signed certificates, public wildcard certificate reuse, weak cryptography, unmanaged certificates and orphaned certificate owners.
- Produce an exception handling model for systems that cannot follow the standard certificate lifecycle process.
- Proof of Concept and Implementation Support
- Lead or support a PoC using selected non‑production servers.
- Validate certificate enrolment and renewal for domain‑joined servers.
- Support testing of certificate bindings for internal web services, SQL Server and SSRS.
- Validate trust chains, certificate stores, CRL accessibility and service connectivity.
- Produce implementation runbooks and operational handover materials.
- Support production rollout planning, including change records, test plans, rollback/fix‑forward approach and post‑change validation.
Microsoft PKI / AD CS Specialist employer: VE3
Join a forward-thinking company in Maidenhead, where we prioritise innovation and employee development. As a Microsoft PKI / AD CS Specialist, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values your expertise and offers ample opportunities for professional growth. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment focused on cutting-edge technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Microsoft PKI / AD CS Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect PKI/AD CS role!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications. A quick email or LinkedIn message can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar. We all love a proactive candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in PKI and AD CS. Practice common interview questions and scenarios so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings. We’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team. Applying directly through our site gives you a better chance of standing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Microsoft PKI / AD CS Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Microsoft PKI / AD CS Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience with PKI, AD CS, and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills fit right into 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 the perfect fit. Be sure to mention any specific achievements or experiences that relate directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role is quite technical, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical skills. Include any certifications, tools, or methodologies you’re familiar with that are relevant to PKI and certificate lifecycle management. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at VE3
✨Know Your PKI Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Microsoft PKI and AD CS concepts. Brush up on your knowledge of CA hierarchy, certificate templates, and the entire lifecycle management process. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Prepare Real-World Examples
Think of specific instances where you've assessed or designed PKI solutions in previous roles. Be ready to share how you identified risks, gaps, and improvement areas. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand Security Best Practices
Familiarise yourself with security standards like ISO 27001 and be prepared to discuss how your PKI design aligns with these practices. Highlight any experience you have with auditable controls and risk management related to certificates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s current PKI setup and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your knowledge!
