Linux/DevOps SME - DV Cleared

CBSbutler Ltd.; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 101,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CBSbutler Ltd. is seeking a Linux / DevOps SME to join a high-profile technical environment onsite in Basingstoke. You will provide senior-level expertise across Linux infrastructure, DevOps tooling, automation and platform engineering.

The role requires active MOD DV clearance and offers a 12-month rolling contract with a daily rate of £550-£650, 100% onsite.

Qualifications

• Extensive Linux experience in an enterprise environment.
• Hands-on DevOps and platform engineering skills.
• Strong scripting and automation capabilities (Bash/Python).
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tooling.
• Familiarity with Git and source control practices.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Ansible).

Responsibilities

• Act as Linux and DevOps SME providing technical leadership.
• Design, implement and maintain Linux-based infrastructure.
• Support DevOps tooling and CI/CD processes.
• Automate infrastructure and configurations.
• Troubleshoot complex Linux and platform issues.
• Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines and tooling.
• Contribute to IaC practices and configuration management.
• Collaborate with engineering, security and operations teams.
• Document standards and best practices.
• Mentor engineers as needed.
• Explore emerging technologies and suggest improvements.
• Participate in technical design and architecture activities.

Skills

Linux

DevOps

Bash/Python

CI/CD pipelines

Git

Infrastructure as Code

Containers

Kubernetes/OpenShift

Cloud / environment

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Jenkins

GitLab CI

GitHub Actions

Docker

Job description

Linux / DevOps SME

Location: Basingstoke - fully onsite
Contract: 12-month rolling contract
Rate: £550-£650 per day
IR35: Outside IR35
Clearance: Active MOD DV clearance required
Working Pattern: Full-time

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Linux / DevOps Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join a high-profile technical environment based onsite in Basingstoke.

You will provide senior-level technical expertise across Linux infrastructure, DevOps tooling, automation and platform engineering. The role will suit someone who is comfortable operating as a technical authority, solving complex infrastructure problems and working closely with engineering, development and operational teams.

Due to the nature of the environment, active MOD DV clearance is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a Linux and DevOps SME, providing technical leadership and guidance across the environment.
• Design, implement and maintain robust Linux-based infrastructure and platforms.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of DevOps processes and tooling.
• Automate infrastructure, configuration and operational processes wherever possible.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex Linux, infrastructure and platform issues.
• Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines and associated tooling.
• Support infrastructure-as-code and configuration management practices.
• Contribute to platform resilience, availability, security and performance.
• Work closely with engineering, development, security and operations teams.
• Provide technical documentation, standards and best-practice guidance.
• Mentor and support other engineers where required.
• Investigate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to the existing platform.
• Participate in technical design, architecture and implementation activities.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive commercial experience working with Linux in an enterprise environment.
• Strong hands-on experience across DevOps / Platform Engineering.
• Excellent Linux administration and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong scripting/automation experience, ideally with Bash and/or Python.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tooling.
• Strong understanding of Git and source control.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code, ideally Terraform and/or Ansible.
• Experience working with containers and container orchestration technologies.
• Strong understanding of networking, systems integration and infrastructure concepts.
• Experience working in secure, highly controlled or complex technical environments.
• Ability to operate independently as a senior technical SME.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Current, active MOD DV clearance.

Desirable

• Kubernetes / OpenShift experience.
• Docker / containerisation.
• Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions or similar.
• Ansible.
• Terraform.
• Cloud platform experience.
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux or equivalent.
• Experience within UK Government / MOD / Defence environments.
• Experience working with security-hardened Linux environments.
• Relevant Linux, DevOps or cloud certifications.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a genuine hands-on SME, rather than someone purely focused on management. You should be comfortable getting into the detail, diagnosing difficult technical problems and making pragmatic engineering decisions.

You'll be joining a technically demanding environment where your experience in Linux, automation and DevOps will have a direct impact on the reliability and evolution of the platform.

Contract Details

• 12-month rolling contract
• £550-£650 per day
• Outside IR35
• Full-time
• 100% onsite - Basingstoke
• MOD DV clearance required