Senior Server Engineer

Overview

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.

Due to the nature of the work, you must hold – or be eligible to obtain – a high level of National Security Clearance. (See:  – United Kingdom Security Vetting)

Some UK travel with overnight stays may be required.

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, Power Shell, 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

• 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 (Power Shell, 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

• 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

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.