Where is the Operational Technology Engineer role at Thinkahead located?

The Operational Technology Engineer position at Thinkahead is based in Reading. This is an on-site position.

What type of employment is the Operational Technology Engineer role at Thinkahead?

The Operational Technology Engineer position at Thinkahead is a Full time role.

What skills are required for the Operational Technology Engineer role at Thinkahead?

Key skills for the Operational Technology Engineer position at Thinkahead include: python, jira, confluence, gitlab, ansible, ci/cd.

Operational Technology Engineer — Thinkahead

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.

At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.

We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.

The Opportunity

As an Operational Technology Engineer based at our UK Foundry, you will help operate and evolve the Foundry’s operational technology environment that powers our industrial-scale integration engine. You will support and maintain operational networks, security platforms, and automation systems that enable high throughput, high reliability manufacturing and integration workflows.

AHEAD Foundry operates like a continuously changing data centre, with thousands of devices, ports, and systems in motion. This is the first OT Engineer hire in the UK which is growing fast, so you’d need to be comfortable operating in a high-impact role where you will operate with significant autonomy while working closely with peers in Foundry, Operations, Product, Software, and Corporate IT to ensure the environment remains secure, observable, and scalable as the business grows.

To be considered for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Technology Platforms

Operate and maintain the Foundry operational networks and supporting platforms.

Support the automation tooling and systems used for imaging, testing, and validation.

Assist with Linux-based system builds, OS imaging, and test tooling (Python-based).

Participate in maintaining cross-site file synchronisation and golden image governance.

Network, Compute, and Access

Support a network environment with hundreds of switches and thousands of ports.

Assist with VPN's, remote access platforms, and secure client connectivity for staging and testing.

Operate and maintain on-prem Nutanix clusters hosting production tooling and remote access services.

Administer Jira and Confluence environments used by the Foundry team.

Security, Compliance, Backup, and DR

Support network and platform hardening using segmentation, firewalls, and access controls.

Assist with Palo Alto firewall operations, Panorama management, licensing and updates.

Support GitLab operations for CI and source control availability.

Participate in backup operations and disaster recovery testing to meet RPO/RTO objectives.

Operate within ISO certified environments (ISO 9001).

Reliability and Observability

Monitor and respond to alerts across network, compute, backup, UPS, and facility systems.

Participate in change control processes, patching windows, and configuration management.

Assist with diagnosing and resolving complex, multi-layer operational issues.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Foundry Operations on capacity planning and facility optimisation.

Collaborate with Product and Software teams to extend automation and integrate new technologies.

Coordinate with telecoms providers, vendors, and internal teams for connectivity and infrastructure delivery.

Support testing standards and new hardware introduction with engineering and verification teams.

Health, Safety and Environment

Work in accordance with the company health and safety policies.

Reporting of hazards, incidents, or unsafe working conditions.

Using equipment and tools in accordance with safety guidance and training.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

Comply with all company information security, confidentiality, and data protection policies when handling company systems, customer data, or proprietary information.

Technology Environment

Networking and security (Palo Alto, Panorama, EVPN/BGP), Linux, Nutanix, GitLab, Puppet/Ansible, automation tooling, telemetry and alerting platforms.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work expected in the role. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change from time to time in line with business needs.

Skills and Experience

Essential

Strong networking fundamentals: routing, switching, VPN's, segmentation, and firewall concepts.

Solid Linux experience and familiarity with virtualisation (KVM, Nutanix).

Experience supporting automation or imaging platforms in production environments.

Familiarity with configuration management or automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, CI/CD).

Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware, network, and software layers.

Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

Exposure to ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 environments.

Experience with Palo Alto firewalls, Panorama, or Cisco DNA.

Familiarity with AI/HPC hardware, or high-density rack environments.

GitLab administration experience.

Qualifications
Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline

Equivalent professional experience in operational infrastructure, network engineering, or systems engineering.

Additional Information

Line Management

This role has no line management responsibilities.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment, a computer integration facility, and server rooms. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and conferencing equipment.

Physical demands

The role may require periods of standing, walking, and working with computer hardware. Occasional lifting and handling of equipment may be required. Where required, appropriate training and equipment will be provided.

AHEAD is committed to supporting employees through reasonable adjustments where in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Work Hours

Standard hours of work are typically 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary.

Travel

This role may require up to 10% travel, which may include international.

Operational Technology Engineer

Job description