Platform Engineer - Secure Digital Platform (SDP)

LHH; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 76,000 - 103,000; Part time

Job summary

LHH is seeking an experienced Platform Engineer to join a Secure Digital Platform programme supporting UK Defence and Aerospace initiatives. You will help deliver and maintain modern cloud and infrastructure platforms across Azure, Kubernetes, OpenShift, and virtualization in a highly secure environment, with hybrid working from Reading.

The role requires active SC clearance and a background in Defence, MOD, Defence Digital, or Aerospace, plus experience with automation, IaC, and platform

Qualifications

• Active SC clearance required to work in secure defence environments.
• Experience delivering and maintaining cloud and on‑prem infrastructure.
• Background in defence, MOD, Defence Digital, or aerospace sectors preferred.
• Proficiency with Azure administration and Windows/Linux servers.
• Experience with Kubernetes/OpenShift container platforms.
• IaC exposure (Terraform, Bicep, ARM) and scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python).
• Familiarity with hybrid cloud and secure architectures.

Responsibilities

• Maintain secure cloud and on‑prem infrastructure environments.
• Administer and optimise Azure services and workloads.
• Manage Windows Server and Linux operating systems.
• Support Kubernetes and OpenShift platforms.
• Maintain virtualization and enterprise hosting solutions.
• Monitor performance, availability, capacity, and security.
• Troubleshoot and resolve incidents in the platform.
• Support changes and deployments through change processes.
• Contribute to disaster recovery, backup, and business continuity.
• Develop automation to improve operational efficiency.
• Support IaC practices and platform modernization initiatives.
• Maintain documentation and service records.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and project teams.

Skills

SC Clearance

Cloud & Infra management

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Azure administration

Windows Server

Linux

IaC

Automation

Scripting (PowerShell/Bash/Python)

Tools

Azure

Kubernetes

VMware/Hyper‑V

Terraform

Bicep/ARM Templates

Job description

Location: Reading (Hybrid Working Available)

Security Clearance: Active SC Clearance Required

Sector: Defence / Aerospace

Engagement: Contract

Rate: £65 per hour (Inside)

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Platform Engineer to join a Secure Digital Platform (SDP) programme supporting critical UK Defence and Aerospace initiatives.

Working within a highly secure environment, you will help deliver and maintain modern cloud and infrastructure platforms that support mission‑critical applications and services. This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting‑edge technologies across Microsoft Azure, Kubernetes, OpenShift, virtualisation, automation, and enterprise infrastructure.

The successful candidate will have a strong background within Defence, MOD, Defence Digital, or Aerospace environments and hold active SC Clearance.

Key Responsibilities

As a Platform Engineer, you will:

• Support and maintain secure cloud and on‑premise infrastructure environments.
• Administer and optimise Microsoft Azure services and workloads.
• Manage Windows Server and Linux operating systems.
• Support Kubernetes and OpenShift container platforms.
• Maintain virtualisation and enterprise hosting solutions.
• Monitor platform performance, availability, capacity, and security.
• Troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure and platform incidents.
• Support infrastructure changes and deployments through established change processes.
• Contribute to disaster recovery, backup, and business continuity activities.
• Develop and implement automation solutions to improve operational efficiency.
• Support Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices and platform modernisation initiatives.
• Maintain technical documentation, operational procedures, and service records.
• Work closely with architects, engineers, and project teams to deliver resilient technology services.

Defence & Security

• Active SC Clearance.
• Proven experience working within MOD, Defence Digital, Defence suppliers, or Aerospace organisations.
• Understanding of secure and regulated environments.
• Microsoft Azure administration and support.
• Windows Server administration.
• Enterprise infrastructure operations.

Platform Technologies

• Kubernetes administration and support.
• OpenShift platform experience.
• Virtualisation technologies (VMware, Hyper‑V, or similar).
• Infrastructure monitoring and performance management.

Automation & DevOps

• Infrastructure as Code exposure (Terraform, Bicep, ARM Templates, or similar).
• Automation and scripting experience (PowerShell, Bash, Python, etc.).
• CI/CD and platform automation experience beneficial.
• Red Hat/OpenShift certifications.
• Experience supporting hybrid cloud environments.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust or secure cloud architectures.
• ITIL awareness or service management experience.

What You'll Deliver

• Reliable and secure platform services.
• Stable cloud and infrastructure operations.
• Improved automation and operational efficiency.
• Enhanced platform resilience and availability.
• Successful support of Defence and Aerospace digital programmes.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to work on high-profile Defence programmes, supporting the delivery of secure digital capabilities that are critical to national security. You'll be part of a collaborative technical team using modern cloud, container, and automation technologies to build and operate next‑generation platforms.

Active SC Clearance and Defence/Aerospace experience are essential requirements for this role.