Senior IT Systems Engineer

Cloud Imperium Games Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games in Manchester seeks an experienced IT Systems Engineer to own and operate the corporate server, virtualization, storage, and security stack across studios.

The right candidate will manage Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Defender for Endpoint, cloud workloads (GCP/Azure/AWS) with IaC, and contribute to on‑call rotation while improving systems hardening and backups. Experience with Perforce hosts and build servers is a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience with Windows Server, virtualization, storage, Active Directory and Microsoft 365 stack.
• Hands-on with Defender for Endpoint, Purview, Conditional Access, and Privileged Identity Management.
• Cloud experience (GCP, Azure, or AWS) with infrastructure as code (Terraform, Bicep or similar).
• Solid networking fundamentals (VLANs, static routing).
• Scripting and automation using PowerShell and Python.
• Ability to work in low-maturity, high-change environments.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Windows Server

Virtualisation

Storage

Active Directory

Microsoft 365 stack

Defender for Endpoint

Purview

Conditional Access

Privileged Identity Management

Cloud platforms

Terraform

Bicep

Infrastructure as Code

Networking (CCNA level)

Scripting (PowerShell)

Python

Automation

Tools

Perforce

Job description

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.