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Virtual Infrastructure & Automation Operations Specialist
Location: Doncaster, United Kingdom
About Thales Thales is a global technology leader with over 83,000 employees across five continents. In the UK, our 7,500-strong team drives innovation in defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, delivering trusted technology solutions to secure our nation’s security. We empomy a hybrid work model with flexibility at its core, ensuring innovation meets opportunity.
About the Role
The primary objective is to ensure the secure, reliable, and high-performance delivery of enterprise infrastructure and application hosting environments. This includes maintaining 24/7 availability, driving continuous improvements through automation, integration, and optimisation, while ensuring compliance with security standards.
The ideal candidate will partner with security, customer service, and technical teams to deliver excellent operational resilience and a seamless customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
Virtual Infrastructure & Management
- Design, implement, and maintain VMware vSphere and vCenter environments, including associated technologies
- Manage capacity planning and resource optimisation based on usage trends and growth forecasts
- Troubleshoot performance issues and resolve end-user experience problems
- Monitor and optimise security, availability, and performance metrics
Server Administration & OS Deployment
- Deploy, update, and secure Windows and Linux (RedHat Enterprise Linux, RHEL) servers
- Utilise SCCM (Microsoft Configuration Manager) and Red Hat Satellite for automated OS deployment, patch management, and configuration
- Develop and maintain automated scripts and task sequences for OS deployment and infrastructure management
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Security & Compliance
- Monitor security vulnerabilities, implement timely patches, and enforce security best practices
- Collaborate with security teams to plan, implement, and maintain security controls
- Ensure compliance with IT governance and customer security policies
Automation & DevOps Support
- Develop automation scripts and workflows to streamline manual processes
- Execute infrastructure upgrades (hypervisors, management tools, desktop OS) with minimal disruption
- Plan and perform routine maintenance activities, including patching, backups, and scheduled updates
Service Improvement & Collaboration
- Work closely with service management teams to align infrastructure with customer needs
- Participate in ServiceNow workflows, sprint planning, agile ceremonies, and review meetings
- Enhance service delivery through continuous improvement initiatives
- Maintain technical documentation, including runbooks, how-to guides, and configuration notes
Typical Routines
- Monitoring vSphere/vCenter infrastructure for health, performance, and security
- Implementing security patches and updates while managing risk
- Reviewing capacity trends and adjusting resources proactively
- Troubleshooting virtual infrastructure performance and resolving issues
- Conducting scheduled maintenance and component upgrades
- Documenting processes and maintaining operational knowledge
- Engaging with customers at service review sessions and planning sprint activities
Qualifications & Skills
Certifications (Preferred/Advantageous)
- VMware Certified Professional (VCP) — Virtualisation
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
- HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
- CompTIA Security+
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Technical Skills
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with VMware vSphere and vCenter
- Strong command of Windows and Linux server administration
- Expertise in Microsoft SCCM and Red Hat Satellite for deployment and patching
- Experience with automated scripting (PowerShell, Python, Bash etc.)
- Familiarity with Terraform and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles
- Understanding of networking, storage, and virtual desktop environments
- Exposure to ITIL and IT service management frameworks
- Experience in troubleshooting and optimising virtual desktop performance
Soft Skills
- Customer-focused mindset
- Collaborative and cross-functional teamwork
- Proven change management capabilities
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Why Join Thales?
Work at a company committed to excellence, trust, and innovation.
Employee Benefits
- Comprehensive private medical insurance coverage
- Paid volunteering leave
- Cycle to work scheme
- Accumulative/annual leave flexibility (buy/sell extra)
- Employee discount programme
- Stocks & shares scheme
- Annual performance bonus
- Flexible and hybrid work policies
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusivity
Thales fosters a workplace where everyone’s unique contributions are valued. We offer a range of inclusive programmes, employee networks, and wellbeing support.
Join us and shape the future of secure technology across critical sectors.
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