Senior IT Systems Engineer

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games is seeking a Senior IT Systems Engineer to support our studios across Manchester, Austin, Frankfurt, and Montreal, focusing on Windows Server, virtualization, storage, and Active Directory. You will manage Defender for Endpoint, Purview, and Conditional Access, while handling cloud workloads (GCP/Azure/AWS) with IaC and patching policies.

You will drive system hardening, backups, and cross-location incident response, collaborating with IAM and build teams to keep our

Qualifications

• Deep, expert-level experience with Windows Server, virtualization, storage, Active Directory, and the Microsoft 365 stack.
• Hands-on experience with Defender for Endpoint, Purview, Conditional Access, and Privileged Identity Management.
• Cloud platform experience (GCP, Azure, AWS) with infrastructure as code (Terraform, Bicep or similar).
• Solid networking baseline (CCNA level): VLANs, static routing, fundamentals.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (PowerShell, Python).
• Self-directed and effective in low-maturity, high-change environments.

Responsibilities

• Own the corporate server, virtualization, and storage estate across all sites.
• Manage Microsoft security and compliance features across platforms.
• Design and manage Active Directory, Group Policy, and identity plumbing with IAM teams.
• Operate cloud workloads and platform services with IaC and patching.
• Lead system hardening, patch management, and backup/restore processes.
• Support development infrastructure, including Perforce hosts and build servers.
• Provide cross-coverage of IT estate and participate in on-call rota.

Skills

Windows Server

Virtualisation

Storage

Active Directory

Microsoft 365 stack

Defender for Endpoint

Purview

Conditional Access

Privileged Identity Management

Cloud platforms (GCP, Azure, AWS)

Infrastructure as code (Terraform, B2/

Terraform

Bicep

Networking (CCNA level)

Scripting (PowerShell, Python)

Tools

Terraform

Bicep

PowerShell

Python

Azure

GCP

AWS

Job description

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

Senior IT Systems Engineer

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We're currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make video game history.

Cloud Imperium Games is looking for a skilled and talented IT Systems Engineer to support our studios across Manchester, Austin, Frankfurt, and Montreal!

What do our IT Systems Engineers do?

• Own the corporate server, virtualisation, and storage estate across all sites (Windows Server, Hyper‑V or VMware, SAN and NAS).
• Managing and administering Microsoft security and compliance features, including Defender for Endpoint, Purview, and Conditional Access policies.
• Manage Active Directory design, Group Policy, and identity plumbing in partnership with the IAM engineers.
• Operate cloud workloads and platform services (GCP, Azure), including infrastructure as code and patching.
• Lead system hardening, formal patch management, and backup and restore, including immutable backups and tested restores.
• Support development infrastructure in partnership with studio teams, including Perforce hosts and build servers.
• Provide cross‑coverage of the wider corporate IT estate and participate in an on‑call rota for critical infrastructure incidents.

What does a good IT Systems Engineer look like to us?

A true passion for technology is a must, and we would also like it if you:

• Have deep, expert‑level experience with Windows Server, virtualisation, storage, Active Directory, and the Microsoft 365 stack.
• Have hands‑on experience with the Microsoft stack — Defender for Endpoint, Purview, Conditional Access, and Privileged Identity Management.
• Have cloud platform experience (GCP, Azure, or AWS) with infrastructure as code (Terraform, Bicep or similar).
• Carry a solid networking baseline (around CCNA level): VLANs, static routing, and the fundamentals.
• Are proficient with scripting and automation (PowerShell, Python).
• Are self‑directed and effective in low‑maturity, high‑change environments.

We are always keen to hear from passionate IT engineers, so join the 'verse and become our latest Star Citizen!

CIG Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it's our differences that make it special.

Fraud Statement

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat‑based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at [e-mail] with any information you may have.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over‑achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!