Senior IT Engineer

Thorn SDS Ltd; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days Annual Leave

Pension

Life Insurance

Health & Dental Cashback

EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Wellbeing services (GP, physio)

Certifications support

Job summary

Thorn SDS Ltd is seeking a Senior IT Engineer to take ownership of technical delivery within Defence and Security environments. You’ll stay hands-on while solving complex problems and delivering projects, mentoring junior engineers.

The role emphasizes Windows/Microsoft 365 AD, networking, Linux, and infrastructure deployment with clear documentation and stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications

• Hands-on IT engineering experience and ability to work independently.
• Experience across Windows desktops/servers, Microsoft 365 and AD.
• Solid knowledge of networking: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, switching and VLANs.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure and support IT hardware, software, servers and infrastructure.
• Diagnose and resolve complex hardware, software, OS and network issues.
• Deliver network and infrastructure work including switching, routing, VLANs and cabling.
• Plan and deliver upgrades, deployments, migrations and decommissioning activities.
• Own defined work packages or smaller technical projects with testing and documentation.
• Produce and maintain accurate technical/configuration/asset documentation.
• Collaborate with customers, project teams and stakeholders to resolve delivery issues.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to IT Engineers and colleagues.

Skills

Windows Server

Active Directory

Microsoft 365

TCP/IP

DNS

DHCP

Switching & Routing

LAN/WAN & VLANs

Linux

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Project Delivery

Mentoring

Certifications (Network+)

Certifications (Security+)

CCNA

Tools

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Security+

Microsoft Certifications

Cisco CCNA

Job description

Take the Next Step in Your Defence Engineering Career

Thorn SDS is a niche Managed Service Provider, who are committed to enabling technology organisations and professionals to thrive within the Space, Defence and Security sectors.

Join Thorn SDS as a Senior IT Engineer, taking greater ownership of technical delivery across Defence and Security environments. You’ll remain hands-on while solving more complex problems, delivering project work and supporting less experienced engineers.

What You’ll Do

Install, configure and support IT hardware, software, servers and infrastructure.

• Diagnose and resolve complex hardware, software, operating system and network issues.


• Deliver network and infrastructure work including switching, routing, VLANs, cabling and connectivity.


• Plan and deliver upgrades, deployments, migrations and decommissioning activities.


• Own defined work packages or smaller technical projects, including testing and documentation.


• Produce and maintain accurate technical, configuration and asset documentation.


• Work with customers, project teams and technical stakeholders to resolve delivery issues.


• Provide technical guidance, coaching and knowledge sharing to IT Engineers and colleagues.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll have established hands‑on IT engineering experience and be comfortable working independently. Experience in several of the following would be valuable:

• Windows desktop and server environments, Microsoft 365 and Active Directory.


• TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, switching, routing and VLANs.


• IT infrastructure, structured cabling and hardware deployment.


• Linux or other operating systems.


• Technical troubleshooting, documentation and project delivery.


• Mentoring or supporting less experienced technical colleagues.


• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Security+, Microsoft certifications or Cisco CCNA are welcome, but practical capability, communication and continued technical development are most important.

What You’ll Get

• 25 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays and length‑of‑service increases.


• Company pension, Life Insurance, Health & Dental Cashback Plans and EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme.


• Wellbeing services, including access to a GP and physiotherapy.


• Support towards professional certifications and ongoing technical development.


• A clear route into Specialist / Lead roles across Infrastructure, Networking, Cloud or Cyber Security.


• Employer Pension Contributions

Important information

All applicants must already hold the Right to Work in the UK.

Successful applicants will be required to obtain the appropriate UK Government Security Clearance prior to appointment and must meet the required eligibility criteria.

Further information on national security vetting and clearance eligibility is available on GOV.UK.

A full UK driving licence would be advantageous, as occasional UK travel may be required.