Linux & Open-Source Collaboration Specialist

ByDesign Secure Systems Ltd; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ByDesign Secure Systems Ltd seeks a Linux & Open‑Source Collaboration Specialist to help engineer secure, mission‑critical systems for UK government projects. You’ll be part of a multi-year transformation programme, standing up secure containerised messaging and Linux streaming for air‑gapped environments.

You’ll deploy Matrix and Rocket.Chat on Kasm Workspaces, harden Linux, and collaborate across architecture, security, and engineering teams to deliver enterprise‑grade solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Linux Systems Engineering & Open‑Source Collaboration platforms.
• Proven hands-on experience as an open-source/Linux engineer in enterprise environments.
• Practical hands-on knowledge of Linux, Kasm, container orchestration, Python, Matrix & Rocket.Chat.
• Experience working in environments without direct internet connectivity.
• Comfort working in highly regulated or classified environments requiring reliability and compliance.
• Strong written communication to support design outputs.

Responsibilities

• Operate as an open-source platform engineer for secure containerised messaging systems and Linux-based streaming VDI.
• Deploy and administer enterprise collaboration servers using Matrix and Rocket.Chat.
• Deploy containerised browser/desktop streaming via Kasm Workspaces.
• Perform baseline security hardening for enterprise Linux distributions and runtimes.
• Support a model office environment to demonstrate capabilities and gather rapid feedback.
• Operate and maintain solutions in air-gapped, security-sensitive environments with compliance.
• Collaborate with architecture, security, and engineering teams to meet enterprise standards.
• Develop and maintain High/Low Level Designs, procedures, and runbooks.
• Produce and present technical designs and improvement plans through governance.

Skills

Linux Systems Engineering

Open-Source Collaboration

Enterprise environments

Strong communication

Tools

Kasm Workspaces

Matrix protocol

Rocket.Chat

Container Orchestration

Python

Linux

Job description

Linux & Open-Source Collaboration Specialist

This role is delivered within secure environments. Candidates must hold active SC/DV clearance and hold UK citizenship.

Join the Mission

At ByDesign Secure, we believe that world-class security shouldn't be an afterthought-it should be the foundation. We are an independent, outputs-based consultancy dedicated to solving the most complex data assurance challenges in the UK public sector. Currently, we working on a landmark transformation of a cross-government secure IT system. This is an exciting opportunity to help engineer a private cloud environment from the ground up and modernize the end-user services that power national decision-making. We don't believe in "billing by the hour" or rigid hierarchies; we are a lean, expert team focused on delivering high-impact technical outcomes. If you are a self-starter who thrives on autonomy and wants to see your engineering or architectural decisions shape the future of sovereign security, we want to talk to you.

About the Opportunity

Are you a Linux & Open-Source Collaboration Specialist with a passion for engineering secure, mission-critical systems?

We're looking for an experienced Linux & Open-Source Collaboration Specialist with deep Linux skills to join our team. You’ll be part of a multi-year transformation programme, shaping and implementing some of the most strategically significant government systems in operation today.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating as an open-source platform engineer dedicated to standing up secure containerised messaging systems and Linux-based streaming VDI.
• Deploy and administer enterprise collaboration servers using Element Pro (Matrix protocol) and Rocket Chat.
• Deploy containerised browser and desktop streaming infrastructure via Kasm Workspaces.
• Perform baseline security hardening for enterprise Linux distributions and system container runtimes.
• Provide support to a model office environment where we will have the capability to demonstrate capabilities to our end users to facilitate rapid feedback.
• Operate and maintain solutions within disconnected, air-gapped, and security-sensitive environments, ensuring compliance with organisational security requirements.
• Collaborate with architecture, security, and engineering teams to deliver solutions aligned with enterprise standards and best practices.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including High-Level Designs (HLDs), Component-Level Designs (CLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), operational procedures, and support runbooks.
• Produce and present technical designs, implementation plans, and service improvements through governance and Technical Design Authority (TDA) processes as required.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ Years Linux Systems Engineering & Open-Source Collaboration Platforms.
• Proven hands-on experience as a open-source/Linux Engineer operating in enterprise environments.
• Practical hands-on knowledge of key systems including Linux, KASM, Container Orchestration, Python, Matrix & Rocket Chat.
• Experience working in environments without direct internet connectivity.
• Confident working within highly regulated or classified environments where reliability and compliance are paramount.
• Strong communicator - able to bridge technical and non-technical stakeholders effectively.
• Good standard of written communication to enable high-quality design outputs to be produced.

Bonus Points For

• Prior experience working on government classified systems or within secure data centre environments.
• Experience of configuring and using AI technologies within cloud environments.
• Familiarity with NCSC guidance, UK Government cloud policies, or cross-domain architectures.
• Cloud Certifications.
• Existing DV clearance.

Why This Role?

Work on high-impact, nationally significant projects that make a real difference.

Join a trusted specialist integrator with a proven record of secure delivery into UK Government.

Be part of a multi-year programme offering long-term stability and genuine career growth.

Clearance Requirements:

This role requires either an existing Security Clearance (SC level) or for one to be passed before commencement. There must be a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV).

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London / Bristol

Job Types: Temporary, Fixed term contract (outside of IR35)

Screener Questions:

• Do you hold UK nationality? (Required due to client security restrictions)
• Do you currently hold active UK SC clearance?
• Are you eligible and willing to undergo UK SC/DV clearance for this role? (Applications without this cannot be considered)
• Does your delivery approach allow for on-site presence in London or Bristol when required (typically 3 days per week)?