Active Directory Engineer

MBDA UK Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking an experienced Active Directory Engineer to manage, provision, and secure AD environments. The role includes responsibilities like auditing and ensuring compliance with security policies while enhancing user experience. Applicants should have expertise in AD DS, group policy, and a strong grasp of hybrid identity solutions. The position offers a competitive salary and a dynamic working model with opportunities for growth and professional development.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

Up to 15 additional days Flexi Leave

Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing AD within multi‑forest and secure environments.
• Expert knowledge of Active Directory and Group Policy.
• Proficiency in PowerShell for automation and auditing.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Group Policy

DNS

DHCP

PowerShell

Kerberos

LDAP

NTLM

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

Privileged Access Management

Job description

Bristol

We are seeking an experienced Active Directory Engineer to support and enhance the directory services. This role involves managing complex, secure AD environments. If you are committed to high standards, precision and contributing we invite you to apply.

Salary

Up to £55,000 depending on experience

Location

Bristol, Bolton or Stevenage

Dynamic (hybrid) working

1-2 days per week on-site due to workload classification and dependant on business need.

Security Clearance

British Citizen. This role will require DV Clearance. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...

The role will be responsible for the 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.

• Become part of a unique, well respected team of dedicated people that have been recognised within our company for its professionalism, dedication and flexibility.
• Having the opportunity to work both nationally and internationally, broaden your horizons by embracing the rich cultural diversity of our company.
• Be part of an organisation with a values-led culture that is committed to investing in its workforce with a personal development programme.

What we're looking for from you

• 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
• Able to deal with multiple issues, tasks and priorities concurrently
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and decision‑making abilities in secure environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce documentation for technical and non‑technical audiences
• Familiarity with ITIL v4, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and NIST frameworks

Our company

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee‑led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more...

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.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

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