Automation Engineer

IBM SiXworks; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Private Medical cover

Life Assurance

Generous pension (10% employer, 5%)

Bonus

Professional development and training

Secure parking

Gym

Café & restaurant on site

Open break out spaces

Job summary

SiXworks is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation in our secure, mission-critical environment. You will work with Architects and SMEs to deliver automation across hosting platforms, ensuring security and operational goals are met.

You will use Bash, Python, PowerShell, Terraform, Ansible and DSC, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve automation practices and documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure or similar.
• Scripting experience in Bash, Python, and PowerShell.
• Knowledge of infrastructure as code tooling like Terraform/Ansible/DSC.
• Git with CI/CD and version control experience.
• Experience with Linux and open source services (Kubernetes, registries, web services, DNS).
• Experience with Windows Server variants and Enterprise Services (AD, IIS, Certificate Services).
• Knowledge of PKI and tools such as OpenSSL.
• Understanding of IP addressing, subnets, routing, and firewalls.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and commission automation solutions in an experimentation environment.
• Assist in automation implementation across hosting platforms.
• Collaborate with solution SMEs and maintenance teams on automation tasks.
• Support integration cycles and validation for security compliance.
• Contribute to technical documentation and operating procedures.
• Keep up to date with emerging automation technologies and best practices.

Skills

Azure

Python

BASH

PowerShell

Git

CI/CD

Linux

Kubernetes

OpenSSL

Networking

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Microsoft DSC

Job description

Work on Technology That Protects What Matters

At SiXworks, we build secure digital solutions that support Defence and National Security missions. Our teams work on complex problems where reliability, security, and speed of innovation matter.

We’re looking for an Automation Engineerr who enjoys solving difficult technical challenges and wants their work to have real operational impact.

What You’ll Do

As an Automation Engineer, you will work alongside experienced Architects and application SMEs to design, develop, and commission automation solutions in an experimentation environment.

Your work may include:

• Assist in the operation, development and implementation of automation to support our solution design on various hosting platforms.
• Collaborate with solution SMEs and maintenance teams to support tasks requiring automation.
• Support system integration cycles and validation to ensure functional and security compliance of the solution with project requirements.
• Support writing of technical documentation, including diagrams and operating procedures.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.

What We’re Looking For

We value people who take ownership, think critically, and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team tackling complex challenges. You don’t need to tick every box, but we’re particularly interested in people with skills/experience in:

• Experience with Azure or other cloud platforms.
• Scripting in languages such as BASH, Python and PowerShell.
• Declarative Infrastructure as code tooling such as Terraform, Ansible and Microsoft DSC.
• Git in conjunction with CI/CD services and version control.
• Experience with Linux and opensource services such as Kubernetes, Containerisation, Registries, Web services and DNS.
• Experience with Windows server variants and Enterprise Services such as Active Directory, ADFS, IIS or Certificate Services.
• Experience with Public Key Infrastructure and tooling such as OpenSSL
• Knowledge of networking concepts: IP addressing, subnets, routing and firewalls

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated with strong analytical and proactive problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Eager to learn and develop technical skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Organised and capable of managing multiple tasks effectively.
• Eligibility for SC Clearance with a willingness to apply for DV.

Just as important are curiosity, strong problem solving ability, and the motivation to continuously improve how technology is designed and delivered.

About SiXworks

SiXworks is a specialist digital innovation partner delivering secure, mission-critical technology to Defence and National Security organisations. We focus on digital experimentation, secure-by-design architecture, cloud technologies, and rapid application development to help our customers move faster and stay ahead of evolving challenges.

Our team combines expertise from across technology, business, and operational backgrounds including the armed forces creating a collaborative environment where practical thinking and innovation thrive.

Why Join Us

Our culture is guided by six principles: Agility, Security, Innovation, Quality, Collaboration and Inclusivity our North Star for how we work. SiXworks is a leading provider of secure digital solutions, specialising in digital experimentation and focused on fail-safe-fast cutting-edge technology solutions deployed in highly secure environments.

As an end-to-end digital innovation and delivery partner, we turn complex challenges into mission-critical digital advantages. This is a thrilling time for us, with ambitious plans for growth. We are looking for brilliant, experienced, driven and self-motivated people to join the team on our journey.

• competitive salaries
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• free Private Medical cover and Life Assurance
• Generous pension (10% employer, 5% employee contribution)
• Bonus
• Professional development and training support
• secure parking
• gym
• café & restaurant on site
• lots of open break out spaces

A word on UK Security Clearance

Due to the secure nature of the position and working environment, you must have or be eligible to obtain Security Clearance. More details relating to UK Security Clearance can be found here:

United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)