Senior IT Ops Engineer - 3rd Line/Windows/AD/Security/Patching/MS

Employment: Full-time Experience: Mid-Senior level Methods Business and Digital Technology Limited Methods is a £100M+ IT Services Consultancy who has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Established over 30 years ago and UK-based, we apply our skills in transformation, delivery, and collaboration from across the Methods Group, to create end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people-centred, safe, and designed for the future. Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - with people, technology, and data at the heart of who we are, we believe in creating value and sustainability through everything we do for our clients, staff, communities, and the planet. We support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them. Predominantly focused on the public-sector, Methods is now building a significant private sector client portfolio. Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022. Job Purpose The Senior Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end management, security and operational lifecycle of enterprise IT infrastructure, endpoint technologies and security applications. The role will focus on maintaining, supporting and continuously improving secure, reliable and resilient IT environments, ensuring systems and services meet operational, security and availability requirements. Working closely with Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Architecture and wider IT teams, the role will support the delivery of technical solutions, infrastructure upgrades, security improvements and continuous service enhancements. The position combines hands-on technical support with project delivery, lifecycle management and the implementation of security best practices. Key Responsibilities Take ownership of the end-to-end lifecycle management of infrastructure, endpoint technologies and security applications, from design and implementation through to ongoing support and retirement. Design, implement, configure and maintain enterprise endpoint management solutions. Manage and maintain Windows desktop and server environments, ensuring systems remain secure, supported and up to date. Manage Active Directory, Group Policy and security baseline configurations. Lead and support software deployment, application packaging, patch management and continuous release activities. Deliver infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, patching and technology lifecycle improvements. Manage and maintain virtual desktop infrastructure, including Citrix and VMware environments. Support and maintain Linux server environments, including installation, configuration, patching and troubleshooting. Monitor and manage infrastructure vulnerabilities, working with security teams to identify, prioritise and remediate security risks. Conduct software compatibility testing, system maintenance, hardware upgrades and technical troubleshooting. Manage the deployment, configuration, maintenance and lifecycle of end-user hardware and desktop technologies. Work closely with application and system owners to ensure systems remain compliant, secure and appropriately maintained. Support cybersecurity incident response and remediation activities. Ensure infrastructure and endpoint services meet agreed operational service levels and availability requirements. Work with technical architects and cyber security teams to implement approved technical designs and security controls. Manage third-party suppliers and vendors, ensuring effective service delivery and ongoing performance. Balance operational support responsibilities with project delivery and continuous improvement initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve service reliability, operational efficiency, security and standardisation. Requirements Essential Skills & Experience Strong experience supporting and managing Windows 11 desktop and Windows Server environments, including installation, configuration, patching and upgrades. Experience managing Active Directory, Group Policy and endpoint security configurations. Hands-on experience with Microsoft SCCM/MECM, including software packaging, application deployment and patch management. Experience managing WSUS for patching and update management. Knowledge and experience of Linux environments, particularly Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Oracle Linux. Experience with vulnerability management tools, ideally Tenable Nessus and Tenable Security Center. Experience managing virtualisation technologies, particularly VMware vSphere and vCenter. Understanding of virtual desktop infrastructure, ideally Citrix and VMware technologies. Good understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, switching and routing. Experience supporting infrastructure security, vulnerability remediation and compliance activities. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take ownership of technical issues through to resolution. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary technical team. Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise operational support activities alongside project work. Desirable Skills & Experience Knowledge or experience of RSA SecurID. Understanding of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. Experience working with Defence Cyber Certification or Secure by Design principles. ITIL Foundation certification or equivalent service management experience. Experience with Cisco networking technologies, including firewalls and switches. Experience working within security-focused or regulated IT environments. Knowledge of infrastructure security standards, policies and best practices. This role will require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview. Benefits By joining us you can expect: Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership A supportive and collaborative environment. As well as this, we offer: Development access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme and training Wellness 24/7 Confidential employee assistance programme Social – Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and Pizza on the last Thursday of each month as well as commitment to charitable causes Time off 25 days a year Pension Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution Life Assurance of 4 times base salary Private Medical Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included) Worldwide Travel Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)