IT Senior Solutions Engineer (Multi Office Based)

Description

This role will be based at our Cyber Centre of Excellence in Maidenhead, covering both this and our facility in Farnborough. Our candidate could work primarily from either site.

Candidates must be eligible to obtain the relevant security clearance required for the role, due to the sensitive nature of the programs we deliver for our customers.

Position Overview:

The Senior Solutions Engineer holds overall responsibility for the day-to-day provision, management, and support of local air gapped IT infrastructure. This role ensures all staff have adequate IT provisioning to meet operational needs.

This is an exciting opportunity created in-line with changes to our business: this individual will have the opportunity to build a brand new platform from the ground up, supporting this system once it's in place.

Key activities include running daily routine procedures, resolving complex functional and technical issues, and assisting in the development of current processes to improve standards and reduce costs.

As a core member of the IT Team, the Senior Solutions Engineer will report to and collaborate closely with the IT Service Delivery Manager. This collaboration focuses on aligning site priorities with the implementation of the global IT strategy, while advising on local security, compliance, regulatory requirements, and identified local challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and Optimise VDI Services: Take ownership of the day-to-day operations of the on-premises VDI environment, ensuring high performance, robust security, and an excellent user experience.

• Migration & Enhancement Projects: Lead the transition of VDI platforms to next-generation technologies, overseeing smooth migrations and ensuring seamless upgrades.

• Collaboration & Vendor Management: Work closely with Architecture, Service Delivery teams, and third-party vendors to integrate new technologies and drive continuous service improvements across the VDI estate.

• Compliance & Security: Ensure that the VDI environment adheres to relevant security standards, data protection regulations, and best practices, maintaining the integrity of virtual desktop services.

• Incident & Change Management: Oversee incident management and change workflows, utilising service platforms to ensure the efficient resolution of issues and smooth operational transitions.

• Monitor, maintain, and upgrade core infrastructure including servers, networks, and systems, in alignment with compliance and certification requirements (e.g., NIST, ISO27001, Cyber Essentials Plus).

• Deliver strategic projects designed to improve IT services and systems efficiency.

• Ensure robust IT security posture, data protection compliance, and regulatory adherence.

• Ensure Backup, Disaster Recovery (DR), and Business Continuity (BC) plans are current, coordinating annual "live" testing of these processes.

• Keep abreast of technological advancements, advising on required new technological solutions and succession planning for existing technology implementations.

• Create and submit proposals for IT improvement and project requirements, coordinating annual budget submissions for financial review and providing input on geographical IT spend requirements.

Qualifications & Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Information Systems, Business, or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in IT infrastructure or solutions engineering roles.

• Ability to obtain/maintain the required level of security clearance.

• Strong ability to manage conflict resolution within the direct team, cross-functionally, and with external vendors.

• Proven experience working effectively in a global enterprise environment.

• Self-Starter: Able to independently research solutions, take ownership of projects, and meet deadlines while managing multiple priorities efficiently.

• Problem Solver: Proactive in identifying and addressing issues before they impact service delivery, with strong attention to detail and a results-oriented approach.

Technical Expertise Requirements:

• VDI Technologies & User Profile Management: Expertise in Omnissa Horizon (or equivalent) with a proven track record in designing, deploying, and managing VDI solutions, including managing user profiles and ensuring seamless profile portability across virtual desktop environments, using tools and best practices such as FSLogix or similar.

• Hyperconverged Infrastructure: Experience in maintaining and upgrading hyperconverged solutions, such as Nutanix HCI, is highly desirable. Alternatively, hands-on experience with server hardware in a data centre environment is also beneficial.

• Dell Thin Client & Wyse Management Server: Experience managing Dell Thin Clients, including configuration, deployment, and ongoing support, along with familiarity with the Wyse Management Server for efficient client management and firmware updates.

• Desktop Image Development & Application Provisioning: Expertise in developing and maintaining Windows 11 and Ubuntu desktop gold images, along with experience in application provisioning within a virtualised environment, ensuring users have consistent and timely access to the applications they need.

• Infrastructure Management: Solid background in virtualisation, storage, networking, and security, with particular expertise in managing multi-site or multi-region infrastructure environments.

• Scripting & Automation: Proficiency in PowerShell or other automation tools to streamline workflows, system monitoring, and reporting for improved operational efficiency.

• ITIL & Service Management: Familiarity with ITIL processes, including managing incidents, working with third-party support teams, raising and managing change requests, and driving continuous service improvement.

• Office 365, Azure, Windows Server environments.

• M365 / Microsoft Exchange, Intune, Autopilot, SCCM.

• Client Operating Systems: Windows 10/11; Server Operating Systems: Windows Server 2016-2022.

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Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. For more information, please visit the UKSV website.

Our Benefits

Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

• Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme

• Private Medical Cover

• 25 days’ holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days

• Pension Contribution

• 4 x Life Assurance Cover

• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday

• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more

• Security Clearance Allowance – where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement