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First Light Fusion is seeking an IT Systems Engineer with knowledge of Linux and Windows architectures. This role covers a broad range of IT responsibilities in a small, resource-constrained environment, requiring a hands-on and practical approach to delivering reliable IT services. The successful candidate will provide front-line support to end users, maintain our Linux and Windows estate, and help keep the systems behind our research, CAD/engineering, and lab environments running reliably.

A proactive approach is essential, with a focus on continuously improving IT systems to support the scientific team in operating at pace. The role also involves investigating and implementing new technologies where appropriate and contributing flexibly across a range of IT activities as required.

Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting end-user issues raised via our in-house ticketing system
• Creating and updating documentation (Confluence)
• Troubleshooting and resolving issues across Windows/Linux desktops/laptops
• Researching, testing, and rolling out new software and tooling for end-users
• Provisioning new user/leaver accounts, devices, and access - account lifecycle
• Working with security to remediate detected issues (ESET, Tenable, ManageEngine)
• Supporting Microsoft 365 administration (Entra ID, Intune, Exchange)
• Liaising with vendors and suppliers to Repair/RMA faulty hardware
• Assisting with file transfers and data movement between segmented network zones

Essential:

• Administration of Linux and Windows systems in a mixed environment
• Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware, OS, applications, and connectivity
• Hands-on attitude with a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in technology
• Demonstrated self-motivation, initiative, in a dynamic, sometimes ambiguous environment
• Comfortable working directly with end users, to understand and resolve issues quickly
• Experience with configuration management tool (Ansible)

Desirable:

• Exposure to scientific or lab environments — instrumentation, diagnostics, data
• Knowledge of Virtualization (Hyper-V)
• Experience with Atlassian tooling (Confluence, Jira, Bitbucket)
• Networking knowledge, including segmented/zoned network environments (Palo Alto, FortiGate, UniFi)
• Familiarity with WSL
• Experience supporting engineering/CAD environments — SolidWorks, SolidWorks PDM, or similar