Principal Systems Administrator

Overview

Principal Systems Administrator. Take ownership of core infrastructure design and technical guidance within a critical sector. Drive advanced infrastructure projects and influence engineering practices while collaborating with senior management to deliver robust technical research. Shape complex architecture and guide technical teams in an environment that values structural stability and long‑term career progression.

• Proven background providing technical guidance and infrastructure administration at a senior level.
• Sole British nationality is required due to the nature of the projects.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK Government security clearance.
• Domain experience within the defence or high‑security infrastructure sector.

• Performance‑related annual cash bonus scheme.
• Up to 8% employer pension contribution via salary exchange.
• Comprehensive private medical and dental insurance coverage.

• Act as systems administration lead on advanced projects and major programmes.
• Install, configure, administer and troubleshoot complex infrastructure and application deployments.
• Apply subject‑matter expertise to provide technical recommendations to management and guide team members.
• Participate in a technical roster to support the delivery of resilient services and manage planned infrastructure changes.
• Maintain and disseminate approved operational procedures aligned with industry security standards.

• Comprehensive knowledge of VMware vSphere 8.0 or above alongside Fibre Channel storage technologies.
• Strong capabilities with Microsoft OS 2019 and 2022, Exchange, Office 365 and Active Directory Federated trusts.
• Experience with Citrix Xen App, Xen Desktop and Citrix Netscaler.
• Technical capability with cloud environments such as Amazon Web Services or Azure.
• Practical knowledge of Linux environments and Ansible automation tools.
• Familiarity with SQL Server administration and project frameworks including ITIL, Agile or Scrum.

• Optional compressed working schedule providing every other Friday off.
• Twenty‑five days annual holiday allowance with the option to buy or sell leave.
• Workplace nursery scheme with a monthly employer contribution.
• Support for industry memberships alongside unlimited access to global online learning platforms.

This position is based in Cheltenham and operates on a hybrid working pattern. The role requires travel within the United Kingdom up to 25% of the time, with occasional international travel to regional offices.