Our client is looking for a Senior Platform Engineer with broad range of enterprise server infrastructure experience, including virtual desktop and provision and End User Computing support. This is a contract role starting ASAP initially until the end of March 2025 with scope to be extended. The day rate is negotiable (Inside IR35) dependent upon experience and can be delivered via a hybrid working arrangement (preference is for 2/3 days onsite in Corsham, Wiltshire).
RESPONSIBILITIES
The role is responsible for the design, implementation, validation and 4th line support of the virtualised server and desktop infrastructure delivered by the programme. This includes:
- Installation, configuration, maintenance, administration, and support of:
- Windows servers
- Linux servers
- VMWare virtualised server infrastructure
- VMWare Horizon based virtual desktop infrastructure
- Installation and configuration of Microsoft enterprise products including but not limited to, Active Directory, Group Policy, SQL, Exchange, Skype, WSUS, PKI and MS Office elements.
- Support the scale-out and evergreening of the VDI capability across multiple complex multitenancy use cases;
- Production and review of all levels of design artefacts.
- Supporting wider NSoIT(D) system testing activities.
- Working with Service Management to resolve issues.
- Working with Testing and Assurance teams to drive product quality
- Provide and support knowledge sharing via formal documentation and informal training
- Problem solving and issue resolution across a wide spectrum of products and technologies, including rigorous problem analysis and root cause determination
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Essential:
- Strong experience in conducting the design, implementation and support of data centre virtual server infrastructure, including use of VMWare, Windows Server and Linux technologies
- At least 3 years demonstrable hands on experience in the design, development, documentation, building and validation of virtual desktop environments
- Demonstrable experience of VMWare Horizon, ApVolumes and UEM or similar
- Experience of Windows 10 within a VDI environment including desktop optimization
- Experience of Active Directory, DNS, ADFS configuration and support
- Experience of Anti-Virus products implementation, configuration and support, e.g. Trend
- Understanding of networking concepts and protocols
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to solve problems and propose new ideas
- An open and collaborative approach to development and problem solving
- Attention to detail and a focus on delivering high-quality solutions
- Competency in MS Office Suite.
Desirable:
In addition to the above it is desirable that candidates can show:
- Industry certifications:
- VMware VCP (Preferably VCP-DTM)
- Microsoft MCSA Windows 10
- MCSA Windows Server 2012 (or higher)
- Bachelor's or Master's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience of Exchange, Skype and SharePoint design, implementation, configuration and support
- Experience of proxy configuration – NGINX and/or SQUID
- Experience of management and monitoring tools, e.g. Solarwinds, MECM
- Experience of PKI certificate configuration and management
- Knowledge and experience of scripting, including PowerShell and/or bash
- Familiarity with DELL and HP server hardware products, management tools, and APIs.
- Experience with infrastructure automation and orchestration tools like Ansible, Terraform or Puppet.
- Knowledge of server configuration management tools such as iDRAC or iLO.
- Understanding and experience of Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.
- Knowledge of the Atlassian toolset, including Jira and Confluence.
- Experience of delivering accredited, secure solutions within the UK public sector and preferably the MoD / Defence Digital environment