Senior IT Systems Engineer

Location: Reading (hybrid working)

Duration: Until Feb '27 - likely to extend

Rate: £73.40ph UMB (Inside IR35)

Note, active SC required.

Role details:
Our defence client is looking for an Senior IT Systems Engineer to support the design, implementation, operation, support, and continuous improvement of enterprise infrastructure, cloud platforms, and hosting services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, deploy, and support enterprise infrastructure across cloud and on-premises environments.
• Administer and optimise Microsoft Azure services and cloud-native infrastructure.
• Manage and maintain Windows Server and Linux-based environments.
• Deploy, configure, and support Kubernetes and OpenShift container platforms.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automation solutions to improve platform management.
• Ensure infrastructure security, compliance, resilience, and availability requirements are met.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and operational health across all managed environments.
• Support backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilities.
• Collaborate with security teams to implement secure-by-design infrastructure solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex incidents, problems, and technical issues.
• Maintain technical documentation, standards, and operational procedures.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing across technical teams.
• Support infrastructure transformation, cloud migration, and technology refresh activities.

Job Requirements:

• Experience in infrastructure, systems, cloud, or platform engineering roles, preferably in enterprise-scale environments.
• Demonstrable expertise in Microsoft Azure infrastructure and services.
• Strong knowledge of Windows Server and Linux operating systems.
• Experience managing enterprise virtualisation platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V.
• Strong understanding of networking technologies including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, load balancing, firewalls, and routing.
• Hands-on experience administering Kubernetes clusters and supporting Red Hat OpenShift environments.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code tools including Terraform, Bicep, ARM Templates, or Ansible.
• Proficiency in monitoring, logging, and observability platforms.
• Strong scripting and automation skills using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar technologies.
• Experience with backup, recovery, and disaster recovery solutions.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
• Red Hat OpenShift Administration certification
• VMware VCP certification
• ITIL Foundation or equivalent service management certification
• Experience supporting classified or secure environments
• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture principles

If you have the necessary skills and experience in IT systems engineering, particularly within the defence and security sector, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's dynamic and innovative team in Reading.