IT Infrastructure Engineer

We are seeking an enthusiastic, proactive individual with a working knowledge of Windows and Linux systems to support the reliable day-to-day operation of our on-site infrastructure and client hosting platforms.

This role is predominantly office based, with the opportunity for home working one day a week, either Thursday or Friday, to be arranged with the Infrastructure Manager following a successful probationary period.

As a hosting supplier, infrastructure reliability is critical to both our clients, including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, & NHS organisations, who depend on us to deliver secure, resilient hosting services, and our staff, who depend on stable systems to work efficiently.

This role is hands-on and delivery-focused, with responsibility for monitoring, maintaining & improving infrastructure under the direction of our Head of Operations & Infrastructure. You will be a key operational contributor, ensuring systems run securely, reliably & in line with agreed standards and procedures.

You will be part of an Operations team of three, including our Head of Operations & Infrastructure, to whom you will report.

We are ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials certified, and you will work in accordance with, and actively uphold, the policies, controls & practices that maintain these accreditations.

This is a varied role offering ongoing opportunities to develop your skills and experience. You will work with a broad range of tools and technologies, playing a key role in maintaining, enhancing & continually improving the reliability and success of our services.

Duties

Infrastructure Operations & Maintenance

· Build, configure & maintain Windows Server and Linux systems, as directed, following documented procedures

· Operate virtual machines and VPS environments using approved solutions.

· Monitor system health, performance & capacity, proactively identifying issues and escalating risks to the wider Operations team

· Apply operating system, application & security updates in line with agreed patching schedules and change processes

· Monitor backup processes, perform test restores & support disaster recovery activities

Networking & Security Operations

· Assist with the operation and maintenance of our on-site data centre and equipment, ensuring systems operate efficiently, reliably & securely

· Maintain firewalls and switches, applying agreed firewall rules, NAT & VLANs configurations as directed

· Troubleshoot network and connectivity issues across internal and hosted environments

· Support incident response activities and follow security best practice at all times

· Work in accordance with ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials policies, controls & procedures, helping to uphold and evidence compliance

Identity, Access & Systems Administration

· Create, configure & maintain user and group accounts, Group Policy Objects (GPOs) in line with internal procedures

· Manage access controls following the principle of least privilege

· Support the management and renewal of software licences and subscriptions, ensuring compliance and cost control

Web Hosting & Platform Services

· Configure and maintain web services, including:

o IIS (Windows)

o Apache (Linux)

· Manage SSL certificates, DNS records & web security configurations

· Monitor hosted websites and services, responding to incidents and service requests in a timely and professional manner

Internal IT & End-User Support

· Provide first and second-line support for staff equipment

· Prepare, install & configure new equipment for staff, including operating systems, software and security controls

· Apply updates, patches & configuration changes to end-user devices

· Troubleshoot hardware, software & connectivity issues, escalating where appropriate

· Act as a reliable, approachable point of contact for colleagues, explaining technical issues clearly to non-technical users

· Other duties, as required

Do you have experience in Windows?, · Windows Server administration

· Linux system administration

· Virtualisation and VPS environments

· Firewall and network configuration fundamentals

· Backup and recovery processes

· Understanding of GDPR and data protection principles

Experience

· Minimum 2 years' experience in a similar, professional services environment

· Supporting on-site data centre infrastructure

· Working within an ISO 27001 or similarly regulated environment

· Experience with Cloudflare and similar services is desirable, but not essential

Qualities

· A strong team player who collaborates, shares knowledge & supports colleagues

· A clear, confident communicator, able to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences

· Methodical, analytical & detail-oriented

· Calm under pressure, with the ability to prioritise effectively

· Personally accountable, with high professional standards

· Motivated by learning, improvement and doing things properly

· A proven ability to learn and apply new technologies, · You must be qualified to at least NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in IT or have completed a relevant IT apprenticeship

· A Higher Natural Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) is desirable, but not essential

· Certifications such as Microsoft Windows Server Fundamentals, Cisco CCNA, or ITIL Foundation or IT Service Management would be advantageous, but not essential

Connect is one of the UK's longest-established suppliers of award-winning digital solutions to the public sector, combining decades of expertise with a bold, forward-thinking approach to delivering digital solutions that make a difference. We partner with prestigious clients including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Cabinet Office & the North West Air Ambulance Charity, bringing creativity, technical excellence & measurable impact to every project. Our people are at the heart of everything we do: we cultivate a friendly, inclusive & supportive workplace in the heart of Liverpool city centre. Staff perks include flexible start times, fruit, tea & coffee, a programme of social events, a free life assurance scheme & free eye tests. As an accredited Living Wage, Disability Confident & LCR Fair Employment Charter employer, we champion diversity, opportunity & professional growth, making Connect not just a friendly, dynamic workplace, but an organisation in which you can thrive and innovate.