Technical Architect - Windows/Linux

Layer7; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 107,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Layer7 is seeking an experienced Technical Architect to lead Windows and Linux infrastructure design, deployment and governance. The role focuses on enterprise-scale server platforms across physical and virtual environments, with emphasis on security, governance and multi-supplier coordination.

The incumbent will drive architecture artefacts, deployment plans and detailed documentation, while delivering secure-by-design infrastructure and managing stakeholder expectations in a hybrid setup near

Qualifications

• Experience designing Windows and Linux infrastructure for enterprise environments.
• Ability to deliver physical and virtual server platforms in regulated environments.
• Experience producing clear technical documentation and artefacts.
• Proven expert knowledge of Windows Server build, configuration and deployment.
• Experience deploying physical and virtual Windows and Linux servers.
• Strong background in VMware ESXi and virtualisation technologies.
• Experience implementing Dell VxRail hyperconverged infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement enterprise-scale Windows and Linux server infrastructures.
• Develop architecture designs and technical solutions aligned with requirements.
• Create detailed architecture artefacts and deployment plans.
• Ensure solutions comply with security, governance and operational standards.
• Lead deployment of Windows Server environments across physical and virtual platforms.
• Design and implement Linux server infrastructures (physical and virtual).
• Support migration, transformation and modernisation initiatives.
• Oversee installation, configuration, testing and commissioning activities.
• Design and support VMware ESXi-based environments.
• Implement and manage Dell VxRail hyperconverged solutions.
• Collaborate with security teams to ensure governance and security compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and present solutions to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Enterprise IT infrastructure

Windows Server deployment

Linux server deployment

VMware ESXi

Dell VxRail

Fortinet security

Security governance

Stakeholder management

Multi-supplier governance

Technical documentation

Network architecture

Collaboration with security teams

Tools

Fortinet suite

VxRail

Dell EMC infrastructure

Job description

Technical Architect (Windows/Linux Infrastructure & Server Deployment)

Location: Hybrid/Newcastle-Upon-Tyne 1 day per week
Clearance: Active SC Clearance Required
Rate/Salary: £680 pd Outside IR35

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technical Architect to lead the design, deployment, and governance of complex Windows and Linux infrastructure environments. The successful candidate will have extensive experience delivering physical and virtual server platforms within highly regulated environments, working across multiple suppliers and stakeholders to ensure secure, robust, and scalable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Architecture & Design

• Design and implement enterprise-scale Windows and Linux server infrastructures.
• Develop architecture designs and technical solutions aligned with programme and business requirements.
• Create detailed technical documentation, architecture artefacts, deployment plans, and requirements packs.
• Ensure infrastructure solutions comply with security, operational, and governance standards.

Server Build & Deployment

• Lead the deployment of Windows Server environments across physical and virtual platforms.
• Design and implement Linux server infrastructures, both physical and virtual.
• Support infrastructure migration, transformation, and modernisation initiatives.
• Oversee installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning activities.

Virtualisation & Hyperconverged Infrastructure

• Design and support VMware ESXi-based virtualised environments.
• Implement and manage Dell VxRail hyperconverged infrastructure solutions.
• Provide technical leadership on virtualisation best practices, performance optimisation, and resilience.

Network & Security Architecture

• Architect and implement solutions utilising the Fortinet product suite.
• Collaborate with security teams to ensure compliance with organisational and regulatory requirements.
• Support secure-by-design principles across infrastructure deployments.

Stakeholder & Supplier Management

• Work effectively within complex multi-supplier environments.
• Engage with technical teams, programme managers, security stakeholders, and governance boards.
• Provide technical assurance and architectural guidance throughout project life cycles.
• Present technical solutions and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong background in enterprise IT infrastructure and architecture.
• Proven experience delivering infrastructure solutions within complex enterprise environments.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate, and comprehensive technical documentation.
• Extensive experience in Microsoft Windows Server build, configuration, and deployment.
• Experience deploying both physical and virtual Windows server environments.
• Strong experience building, configuring, and deploying Linux server environments.
• Experience supporting both physical and virtual Linux infrastructures.
• Strong experience with VMware ESXi and virtualisation technologies.
• Experience implementing and supporting Dell VxRail environments.
• Understanding of storage, compute, networking, and hyperconverged infrastructure.
• Experience designing and implementing solutions using the Fortinet product suite.
• Strong appreciation of infrastructure security principles and governance requirements.
• Experience working within multi-supplier environments with complex governance structures.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with security, programme, delivery, and operational teams.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience within SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) environments.
• Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure experience.