IT Support Engineer

Universal Quantum; Cootham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quantum technology company in Cootham seeks an ITC professional to manage IT operations and support for a 100-person hybrid workforce. You will resolve IT issues, oversee infrastructure, and ensure compliance with security practices. Ideal candidates have a strong Linux background, problem-solving skills, and effective communication abilities. Benefits include a competitive salary, flexible working options, and generous parental support.

Benefits

Flexible holiday allowance

10% matching pension

Private health/dental insurance

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of professional experience in IT service desk or system/network administration.
• Strong understanding of Linux systems and administration.
• Familiarity with endpoint security practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first line of IT support for 100 hybrid working employees.
• Manage and optimise IT infrastructure in collaboration with senior IT staff.
• Provision and configure IT equipment for new employees.

Skills

Problem-solving mindset

Excellent communication skills

Linux expertise

Understanding of networking fundamentals

Knowledge of IT security practices

Organisational skills

Passion for IT

Tools

Atlassian JIRA

Microsoft 365

Virtualization tools

Job description

At Universal Quantum, we are creating the impossible. Together, we are building truly impactful quantum computers. We are looking to hire an ITC professional to be the first point of contact for our team's IT needs, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while contributing to broader IT, network, system and security initiatives. Passionate about technology and excited to grow in a fast-paced, cutting-edge environment? We may be the right place for you—get in touch!

What You'll Accomplish

• Serve as the first line of IT support for 100 hybrid working employees (domestic & international), resolving hardware, software, network and system issues.
• Leverage ITSM systems to log, track, manage and resolve incidents/requests promptly, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Manage and optimise our IT infrastructure (e.g., network connectivity, VPNs, firewalls, physical/virtual servers) in collaboration with the senior IT staff.
• Provision, configure, and maintain IT equipment such as laptops, monitors, printers, and meeting room technology.
• Onboard new employees, including device procurement, account setup, device configuration, and IT induction sessions.
• Maintain and update an accurate inventory of IT assets, software licences, and hardware.
• Contribute to IT security initiatives, including endpoint management, patching, and ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Collaborate with senior IT staff to implement and improve security practices, such as monitoring for potential threats and addressing vulnerabilities.
• Leverage existing/recommend new tools or processes to enhance IT efficiency and security.
• Proactively identify and suggest ways to improve IT processes and user experience.

Must-Have Skills

• Passion for IT, providing excellent support, and a desire to take on additional responsibilities in areas like IT security and local/wide area networking.
• Problem-solving mindset: resourceful and able to troubleshoot complex issues while maintaining a user-focused approach.
• Excellent communication skills: clear and approachable, capable of breaking down technical concepts for non-technical staff.
• At least 3 years of professional experience including system/network administration, IT service desk or ITSM support.
• Linux expertise (workstation & server; Red Hat/CentOS, Debian/Ubuntu) including Core System Administration (Deep OS understanding, User/Group management, Package management, Networking), Scripting/Automation & Troubleshooting/Maintenance.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals and troubleshooting (e.g., IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, Firewall Policies, VLANs, WANs).
• Familiarity with endpoint security practices (e.g., antivirus, encryption, patch management).
• Experience with virtualization (administrating bare metal hypervisors) and virtual machine management.
• Experience with IT security tools or practices, such as SIEM, MFA, or vulnerability management.
• Strong knowledge of Windows, and client-side productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft 365).
• MS 365 administration (e.g., user account creation, group management, SharePoint/Teams access control, Teams Rooms).
• Experience remote support tools.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritise in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interest in learning and applying best practices in IT security and infrastructure.
• Excited at the idea of taking on additional responsibility, including new training if appropriate.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Certifications such as MCP or equivalent.
• Experience using Atlassian JIRA.
• Exposure to cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Google Workspace).
• Familiarity with Version Control systems (GitLab), DevOps and engineering R&D environments.
• Understanding of quantum computing or curiosity about the field.

Benefits

Competitive salary, equity options, flexible holiday allowance (a minimum of 28 days), flexible and remote working options, 10% matching pension, generous parental support policy, private health/dental insurance, and relocation support.