IT Operations & Security Engineer

MCS Group; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an IT Operations & Security Engineer to join a team in Belfast. The role involves Microsoft administration and security responsibilities, with a salary between £38,000 and £42,000. Important qualifications include over 5 years in the field, expertise in Microsoft technologies, and strong troubleshooting skills. The position offers a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Employer Pension Contribution

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Professional Memberships

Life Assurance

Health Cash Plans

Childcare Vouchers

Cycle-to-Work Scheme

Gym Membership

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience as a systems administrator, engineer, or architect.
• Expertise in Microsoft 365, Azure, Intune, Endpoint Compliance.
• Solid understanding of Active Directory management.

Responsibilities

• Field incoming support requests via various channels.
• Document and resolve IT incidents using diagnostic tools.
• Administer Microsoft 365 networks and environments.

Skills

Microsoft 365

Azure

Active Directory

Network troubleshooting

Customer service

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

Job description

Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
Salary: £38,000-£42,000
Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About the Role
Our client is recruiting an IT Operations & Security Engineer to strengthen their IT team. This role spans Microsoft administration, networking, and security, with the opportunity to build expertise in a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Field incoming support requests via ticket system, walk-ins, telephone, and email in a professional manner.
• Document, track, and resolve IT incidents from initial report through to closure, using diagnostic tools, web resources, and hands-on fixes.
• Build rapport with colleagues and deliver excellent customer service across 700+ users.
• Administer IT assets, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and housekeeping of IT rooms and stores.
• Carry out hardware/software installation, desktop builds, backups, preventative maintenance, and phone system support.
• Provide training and support to users, both in-person and online, including "How To" guides and FAQs.
• Administer Microsoft 365 tenants, Active Directory, Azure, Intune, Endpoint Compliance.
• Administer and configure VMware & Hyper-V environments, including performance tuning.
• Support and troubleshoot networks: firewalls, routers, Cisco switches, DNS/DHCP.
• Review Defender logs and SOC alerts, escalate and resolve security incidents.
• Work with managed SOC provider to strengthen threat detection and response.

Key Competencies

• Strong research and troubleshooting ability across a wide range of computing issues.
• Quick learner, able to absorb and retain technical information effectively.
• Clear communicator, able to explain complex IT concepts in user-friendly terms.
• Excellent prioritisation and time management skills, especially under pressure.
• Exceptional customer service orientation; focused on building rapport and trust.
• Team player with a collaborative, knowledge-sharing mindset.
• Self-motivated with high attention to detail.
• Strong documentation and process improvement skills.

Must-Have Skills

• 5+ years' experience as a systems administrator, engineer, or architect.
• Hands-on expertise with Microsoft 365, Azure, Entra ID, SharePoint, Intune, Endpoint Compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of Active Directory (client & server) management and implementation.
• Solid understanding of M365 E5 security policies and exposure to SIEM/SOC solutions.
• Experience in virtualisation technologies (VMware & Hyper-V).
• Experience with backup solutions across multi-system platforms.
• Strong knowledge of desktop, laptop, and server hardware.
• Proficiency in network troubleshooting and diagnostic tools (DNS, DHCP, firewalls, Cisco).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Flexibility to travel to UK & Ireland sites when required.
• A proactive, coachable mindset with a willingness to learn new technologies.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Familiarity with SIEM/SOC platforms (training provided).
• Experience working with managed security providers.

Why Apply?

• Salary of £38k-£42k DOE
• Hybrid working model, with flexible hours to support work-life balance.
• Inclusive team culture with weekly knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Genuine variety: BAU, projects, security, and operations.
• Comprehensive benefits package:
  • Employer Pension Contribution
  • Discretionary Bonus Scheme
  • Professional Memberships
  • Life Assurance
  • Health Cash Plans
  • Childcare Vouchers
  • Cycle-to-Work Scheme
  • Gym Membership
  • Lifestyle and learning support programmes

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided or contact Recruitment Consultant Daire O'Connor at MCS Group on 02896935515 or [e-mail].
Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs.