Infrastructure and Active Directory Engineer (DV)

LA International; Reading; On-site; GBP 96,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

LA International is seeking an experienced Infrastructure and Active Directory Engineer for a client near Reading. The contract starts ASAP and runs for an initial six months, paying £70-£90 per hour inside IR35.

Security clearance to DV level is required, with on-site work in Reading. The role demands strong expertise in Windows Server, VMware/Hyper-V, storage and DR, plus AD integration and ITIL-aligned processes.

Qualifications

• Proven third-line infrastructure engineering in medium/large enterprise.
• Strong depth in core infra or AD with hands-on capability in the other.
• Experience with Windows Server 2016+, VMware vSphere/Hyper-V, storage, backup, and DR.
• Familiar with SCCM, WSUS and SCOM; Linux admin on RHEL or similar.
• Structured troubleshooting and coordinating resolution across teams.
• Networking fundamentals and ITIL-aligned change processes.

Skills

Infrastructure engineering

Active Directory

Windows Server 2016+

VMware vSphere

Hyper-V

SCCM/WSUS/SCOM

Red Hat Linux

Networking fundamentals

ITIL processes

Documentation & stakeholder comms

Tools

VMware vSphere

Hyper-V

SCCM/WSUS/SCOM

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

PowerShell

Ansible

Job description

Our client is a global systems integrator who requires an experienced Infrastructure and Active Directory Engineer for a customer based near to Reading.

START: ASAP

DURATION: INITIALLY 6 MONTHS

RATE: £70.00 - £90.00 PER HOUR

IR35: INSIDE IR35

LOCATION: READING

CLEARANCE: DV

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES

• Proven third-line infrastructure engineering experience in a medium or large enterprise environment, with the flexibility to support second-line work.
• Strong depth in either core infrastructure or Active Directory, with sound hands-on capabilityacross the other.
• Hands-on experience of Windows Server 2016 onwards, VMware vSphere (ESXi and vCenter) and/or Hyper-V, clustering or HCI, SAN/NAS storage, enterprise backup and disaster recovery, with familiarity with SCCM, WSUS and SCOM.
• Working knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux or comparable distributions, including routine administration, patching and troubleshooting.
• A structured approach to troubleshooting, separating root cause from symptoms and coordinating resolution across teams.
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls, ports and routing.
• Experience in secure, controlled environments with formal access, audit and change requirements, using ITIL-aligned processes.
• Clear documentation, communication and stakeholder skills, with the ability to work independently and prioritise competing demands.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced VMware administration, including vMotion, DRS, HA, host lifecycle and templates; experience of Hyper-V/Azure Local or modern HCI platforms.
• Deeper RHEL experience, including AD integration, hardening and Red Hat Satellite or similar tooling.
• Legacy migration and upgrade work, such as domain controller moves, AD functional-level upgrades, server OS upgrades and hardware replacement.
• Windows PKI, AGPM, Entra ID/AD Connect or ADFS; the Microsoft tiered administration model; security hardening to CIS or NCSC baselines.
• Air-gapped or multi-classification networks, including controlled media transfer and offline patching; automation using PowerShell, Python or Ansible.
• Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, VMware VCP, RHCSA or ITIL Foundation.

Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply.

Successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take a minimum 18 weeks.

LA International is an award-winning partner of choice for many of the world's most influential companies and government organisations. Holding Enhanced Government Security Accreditation, we are recognised as the European market leader in the delivery of Security Cleared talent to organisations that demand the very highest levels of security, compliance and assurance.

An award-winning organisation, having secured the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade over multiple years. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.

Please Note: If a high volume of applications is received, only candidates shortlisted will be contacted.