Active Directory Engineer

MBDA S.A.S.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK is seeking a professional to manage and secure Active Directory environments. The role involves overseeing provisioning, monitoring, and auditing of multiple AD environments while ensuring compliance with security policies. Ideally, the candidate will have expert knowledge of AD DS and related technologies, and be capable of delivering excellent communication skills. The position offers a dynamic hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

Up to 15 additional flexi leave days

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of Active Directory Domain Services and related technologies.
• Proven experience managing AD in secure environments.
• Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage and secure Active Directory environments.
• Provision and audit multiple AD environments.
• Maintain compliance with security policies.

Skills

Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

PowerShell

Identity and Access Management

Kerberos

LDAP

NTLM authentication

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

Privileged Access Management

ITIL v4

ISO 27001

Cyber Essentials Plus

NIST frameworks

Analytical skills

Job description

About the Role

The role will be responsible for managing and securing Active Directory environments, provisioning, monitoring, and auditing multiple AD environments. You will play a vital role in maintaining compliance with security policies whilst ensuring an enhanced user experience for our colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provisioning, monitoring and auditing multiple AD environments.
• Managing and securing Active Directory environments.
• Maintaining compliance with security policies.
• Ensuring an enhanced user experience for our colleagues.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, Sites and Services, and Replication.
• Proven experience managing AD within multi-forest, air-gapped or secure enclave environments.
• Experience with Azure AD / Entra ID, ADFS, and hybrid identity solutions under strict compliance controls.
• Proficiency in PowerShell for automation, auditing and reporting.
• Identity and Access Management service support.
• Strong understanding of Kerberos, LDAP and NTLM authentication protocols.
• Familiarity with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and smartcard-based authentication.
• Experience in Privileged Access Management principles.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and decision-making abilities in secure environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to produce documentation for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with ITIL v4, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and NIST frameworks.

Company & Diversity Commitment

MBDA is a leading defence organisation committed to diversity and inclusion, supported by employee‑led networks such as Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, and Disability. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Working Conditions & Security Clearance

Dynamic (hybrid) work: 1–2 days per week on‑site as required by workload classification. Security clearance: British Citizen with DV clearance. Candidates must undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).

Benefits

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance)
• Pension: Employer and employee contribution up to 14%.
• Overtime: Opportunity for paid overtime.
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days.
• Flexible working: Open to flexible arrangements.
• Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (plus enhancements for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility treatments).
• Facilities: Sub‑sized meals, free car parking, and more.