- Pay
- £42–63k
- Where
- Manchester, Greater Manchester, GB · GB
- Level
- Mid
Step into this Cleared IT Systems Engineer role and build something that matters in Defence & Government.
National infrastructure doesn't forgive sloppy systems work, and Defence & Government programmes run on IT estates that have to stay up, stay secure, and pass muster with people who audit for a living.
This employer is an established enterprise operator with 250+ staff, a long track record in the sector, and the kind of structured career paths that let a Cleared IT Systems Engineer actually plan five years ahead instead of guessing.
You'd be joining a team that's already trusted with large-scale, security-cleared programmes, not a startup hoping to get there.
Here's what you'll be doing: Build, configure and maintain secure server and network infrastructure across classified and unclassified environments Troubleshoot and resolve systems issues within agreed SLAs, keeping downtime to a minimum on live government contracts Apply security patches and hardening measures in line with government accreditation standards Support accreditation and audit processes, producing documentation that satisfies both engineers and assessors Work alongside project managers and senior engineers on infrastructure upgrades and migrations Monitor system performance and capacity, flagging risks before they become incidents Here are the skills you'll need: Active SC clearance or DV clearance (or clear eligibility to obtain it) Solid hands-on experience with Windows Server, Active Directory and virtualisation platforms Working knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls) Familiarity with government security frameworks, such as those referenced in Cyber Essentials or MOD accreditation processes Clear communicator who can explain technical issues to non-technical stakeholders Comfortable owning a problem from diagnosis through to resolution without constant oversight Key perks and benefits: £42,000 to £62,500, depending on experience Hybrid working, based from Manchester with flexibility built in Private medical and dental insurance Enhanced pension scheme Performance-based bonuses on top of salary Why pursue a career in Defence & Government?
Government IT budgets aren't shrinking, and cleared engineers remain in short supply relative to demand.
Manchester has quietly become one of the UK's strongest hubs for Defence & Government technology work outside London, with enterprise employers investing heavily in the region.
Progression here tends to be structured rather than accidental: do the job well as a Cleared IT Systems Engineer, and the next grade up is usually mapped out for you already.
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