Infrastructure & Security Engineering Lead

Location: On-site (Cheltenham – Onsite)
Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Security Clearance: Must be eligible and willing to undergo UK Security Clearance

Overview

We’re supporting an innovative research and development organisation in the search for an Infrastructure & Security Engineer to take ownership of its internal IT infrastructure, security operations, and business systems.

This is a unique opportunity to work in a highly technical environment where you’ll combine infrastructure engineering, cloud administration, security operations, networking, compliance, and business IT. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the organisation’s internal platforms while delivering projects that directly support cutting-edge cyber security research activities.

If you’re someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, taking ownership of systems, and continuously learning new technologies, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

As the Infrastructure & Security Engineer, you’ll be responsible for maintaining and improving the organisation’s core infrastructure, ensuring systems remain secure, resilient, and efficient.

Working within a small, highly skilled team, you’ll have significant autonomy and the opportunity to lead infrastructure projects from concept through to implementation.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong systems administration background who is looking to broaden their exposure across cloud, security, networking, and emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Windows and Linux endpoints, including provisioning, patching, compliance, and endpoint management
• Administer Microsoft 365, identity management, SSO integrations, certificates, and user lifecycle processes
• Operate and enhance security tooling covering monitoring, vulnerability management, endpoint security, and remediation
• Coordinate external penetration testing activities and security improvement programmes
• Maintain and develop AWS cloud infrastructure and supporting business systems
• Own backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes
• Lead Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification activities
• Maintain infrastructure documentation, asset management, and IT governance processes
• Identify and deliver improvements that enhance security, resilience, and operational efficiency

Project Work

You’ll have the opportunity to lead and contribute to a variety of innovative projects, including:

• Designing and implementing services for standalone and isolated networks
• Building and deploying centralised authentication solutions
• Developing and maintaining self-hosted LLM infrastructure
• Designing secure environments to support advanced research activities
• Implementing new infrastructure and security tooling
• Driving continuous improvement across cloud, infrastructure, and operational platforms

What We’re Looking For

We understand that no candidate will tick every box. We’re more interested in strong technical fundamentals, a proactive mindset, and a willingness to learn.

Experience in some of the following areas would be highly beneficial:

• Windows and Linux system administration
• Microsoft 365 and Azure AD / Entra ID
• Endpoint management tools such as Microsoft Intune
• AWS cloud infrastructure
• Networking and firewall administration
• Vulnerability management and endpoint security
• Identity and access management
• Backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning
• Security compliance frameworks, including Cyber Essentials
• Infrastructure automation and scripting
• General cyber security best practices

What You’ll Bring

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• A hands-on approach and willingness to take ownership
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new technologies
• A passion for security and secure infrastructure design
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Package & Benefits

• Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 depending on experience
• Bonus: Typically 10-15% annually
• Pension: 6% employer contribution with salary sacrifice options
• Annual Leave: 26 days plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dedicated Training & Development Budget
• Paid time for professional training, certifications, conferences, and continuous learning