Server Engineer

End Client: Secure UK Defence Customer (Submarine Domain)
Location: Farnborough (100% On-Site)
Contract Length: 16th November 2026 - 5th March 2027
Day Rate: Up to £550 per day
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Security Clearance: Active SC Clearance Required
Nationality Requirement: Sole UK Nationals Only
Hours: 37 Hours per Week

The Opportunity

QinetiQ is seeking an experienced Server Engineer to support the build, configuration and deployment of a secure classroom-based desktop training environment for a major UK Defence programme.
Working within a highly secure environment, you will be responsible for configuring and deploying server infrastructure, networking solutions and virtual desktop environments across multiple customer locations. This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical expertise and the ability to work closely with both internal engineering teams and customer stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and configure hardware, servers, operating systems and networking infrastructure in accordance with detailed technical designs.
• Support a client-server classroom-based desktop training solution.
• Collaborate with customer SCIDA and site IT teams to ensure infrastructure solutions align with site requirements.
• Plan and coordinate IT deployments across multiple secure customer locations.
• Document configuration of the Farnborough reference environment to support customer deployments.
• Ensure systems comply with all security, safety and environmental requirements.
• Support system installation, testing, integration and troubleshooting activities.
• Assist with validation, acceptance testing and handover activities.
• Provide on-site technical support throughout deployment phases.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong experience in enterprise server configuration and administration.
• Understanding of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).
• Experience working with fibre networking technologies.
• Strong technical documentation skills.
• Experience working on secure customer sites.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Active SC Clearance.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• VMware Horizon with VVF.
• VMware vSAN.
• Splunk.
• Network security and monitoring tools.
• Experience within defence, aerospace or other secure environments.

Deployment Locations

The successful contractor will primarily be based in Farnborough but will also be required to support deployments at:

• Winnersh
• Faslane
• Barrow-in-Furness

Travel will be required to support installation and deployment activities across customer sites.

Additional Information

• QinetiQ IT equipment provided.
• CONNECT timesheet completion required.
• NDA and additional project documentation must be completed prior to engagement.
• Due to the nature of the programme, candidates must hold Active SC Clearance and be Sole UK Nationals.
• This role is fully onsite and cannot be performed remotely.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join QinetiQ on a high-profile UK Defence programme supporting secure training systems within the submarine domain. You'll work at the forefront of server infrastructure, VDI technologies and secure networking, contributing directly to the successful deployment of mission-critical capabilities across multiple defence sites.

If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website.