Software Engineer / System Administrator - Linux, C++

Qodea; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology group is looking for a skilled Software Engineer/System Administrator in Portsmouth. The role involves developing and securing air-gapped environments, utilizing Linux and Ansible expertise. Essential skills include system hardening and implementing firewall policies. The position demands on-site work for 2 days per week, with an immediate start until early June 2026. Candidates must have SC clearance and be willing to travel to client sites. Diversity and inclusion are paramount in this organization.

Qualifications

• Sufficient Linux experience to implement bespoke scripts.
• Ability to apply system hardening to Linux systems.
• Proficient experience with Ansible playbooks and creating air-gapped repositories.

Responsibilities

• Develop and secure an air-gapped environment.
• Implement robust firewall policies and system hardening.
• Support C++ environments and vetting scripts.

Skills

Linux experience

Ansible

C++

YAML

Bash

Python

SC cleared

Job description

Software Engineer/System Administrator – Linux, C++

Work where work matters.

We are a global technology group built for what's next, offering high calibre professionals the platform for high stakes work, the kind of work that defines an entire career. When you join us, you're not just taking on projects, you're solving problems that don't even have answers yet.

You will join an exclusive roster of talent that global leaders, including Google, Snap, Diageo, PayPal, and Jaguar Land Rover call when deadlines seem impossible, when others have already tried and failed, and when the solution absolutely has to work.

Forget routine consultancy. You will operate where technology, design, and human behaviour meet to deliver tangible outcomes, fast. This is work that leaves a mark, work you’ll be proud to tell your friends about.

We look for people who embody:

• Innovation to solve the hardest problems.
• Accountability for every result.
• Integrity always.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Administrator to develop and secure an air‑gapped environment. This role requires a specialist who can bridge the gap between infrastructure and development, utilising their extensive experience with Linux (Rocky 9) and Ansible to automate bespoke solutions while maintaining rigorous security standards. You will be responsible for a variety of areas, from implementing robust firewall policies and system hardening to vetting scripts and supporting C++ environments, ensuring our critical systems remain resilient and compliant.

Required Skills / Experience

Essential

• Sufficient Linux experience to implement bespoke scripts
• Identify best practice when applying any scripts that are generated via tooling or engineers
• Identify if scripts provided by any tool is appropriate for use in the system
• Ability to apply system hardening to Linux system
• Proficient experience with Ansible playbooks and creating air‑gapped repositories
• Firewall rules and policy implementation for an air‑gapped system
• Event logging and monitoring
• C++, Ansible, YAML, Bash, Python
• SC cleared
• Willing to travel to client site (near Portsmouth)

Desirable

• Previous experience working with MOD/Gov
• Knowledge of JSP 440/604/453 and Secure by Design (SbD)
• Knowledge of security configuration standards i.e. CIS Benchmarks
• Patching air‑gapped systems

Duration

Immediate start to ~5th June 26; 2 days per week on site near Portsmouth.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Qodea, we champion diversity and inclusion. We believe that a career in IT should be open to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or neurotype. We value the unique talents and perspectives that each individual brings to our team, and we strive to create a fair and accessible hiring process for all.