Senior Server Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
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. (See: Gov.UK - United Kingdom Security Vetting)
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
Requirements
- 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
- Excellent troubleshooting skills with the ability to resolve complex platform issues
- Relevant certifications (e.g., MCSA/MCSE, RHCE, VMware VCP) are desirable but not essential
- Strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
- Analytical mindset with attention to detail and strong documentation habits
- Comfortable adapting to evolving technologies and industry best practice
- Previous Defence experience preferred
Benefits & conditions
- 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.
