Infrastructure Engineer

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Role Overview

This role focuses on delivering and supporting secure, automated, Linux‑based server hosting services for internal and external Thales customers. You will work across the full lifecycle of backend infrastructure — from design and build through to automation, configuration management, and ongoing operational support — within a highly controlled, air‑gapped environment.

A strong DevOps mindset is essential. You will use tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Satellite to deliver consistent, repeatable, and secure infrastructure services. The role requires balancing customer needs, security constraints, and delivery timelines while maintaining high‑quality documentation and adherence to defined processes.

You will contribute to both project delivery and through‑life support, working collaboratively with engineering, security, and platform teams to evolve our private cloud and automation capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement automated infrastructure using Ansible, Terraform, and Red Hat tooling.
• Build and support Linux‑based hosting platforms across virtualised and private cloud environments.
• Deliver infrastructure components to agreed designs, standards, and security requirements.
• Produce and maintain high‑quality design documentation, run books, and operational guides.
• Work independently or within a team to deliver new services, enhancements, and technical changes.
• Diagnose complex issues across Linux, virtualisation, storage, and automation layers.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation, reduce manual effort, and enhance service reliability.
• Share knowledge across the team through documentation, mentoring, technical walkthroughs, and collaborative problem‑solving.
• Support the development of colleagues by coaching team members, contributing to skill‑building activities, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Participate in service transition activities, ensuring smooth handover into BAU support.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Provide occasional out‑of‑hours support when required.
• Create and maintain accurate records, configuration data, and change documentation.
• Escalate issues appropriately and support resolution of escalated incidents.

Typical Routines:

• Engaging in Agile/project ceremonies (kick‑offs, scrums, technical reviews).
• Creating or contributing to detailed design documents and automation standards.
• Raising and progressing change requests.
• Updating system documentation and configuration repositories.
• Proactively responding to project and operational issues.
• Developing new technical skills and staying current with automation and Linux technologies.

Person Specification:

• Bachelor’s degree or minimum 3 years’ experience in Linux infrastructure, DevOps, or third‑line hosting roles.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across technical and non‑technical teams.
• Ability to improve processes, automation pipelines, and operational tooling.
• Experience diagnosing complex infrastructure issues across Linux, virtualisation, and automation layers.
• Hands‑on experience with:
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • Ansible automation
  • Terraform IaC
  • Red Hat Satellite
  • Virtualisation platforms such as VMware vSphere, NSX, and Aria
  • Enterprise storage platforms (e.g., NetApp)
• Familiarity with Agile ways of working.
• Understanding of automation principles and scripting
• Experience working within large, secure, managed estates.

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions.  This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. 

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years.  In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

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At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

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