Infrastructure Engineer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented and motivated Infrastructure Engineer to join Thinking Technology, the centralised IT service supporting all academies within The Thinking Schools Academy Trust. This is a key role within our Infrastructure team, providing advanced troubleshooting, configuration, and operational support across our Trust-wide IT environment.

Working closely with colleagues across both the Service Delivery and Infrastructure teams, you will play a critical part in ensuring our IT systems are secure, reliable and effective, supporting the core business of teaching & learning.

You will be primarily based at the Trust's Medway office located off Park Crescent, Chatham, ME4 6NR, on occasions there will be a need to be flexible to travel to any TSAT academy when required. You will report directly to the Infrastructure Engineering Manager.

37 hours per week, standard shift: 08:00 - 16:00 (finish 15:30 on a Friday) subject to operational need.

About the Role

As an Infrastructure Engineer you will:

• Provide advanced troubleshooting across servers, networks, LAN/WLAN, end-user devices, cloud services and related infrastructure.
• Act as the primary escalation point for regional IT teams, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and knowledge is shared across teams.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of infrastructure systems, helping maintain performance, reliability and security across multiple IT services.
• Support the deployment, configuration, relocation and decommissioning of a wide range of IT and infrastructure equipment.
• Lead and support the triage of infrastructure incidents, prioritising effectively in line with SLAs and operational needs.
• Create, update and close helpdesk records accurately, including asset information and lifecycle management updates.
• Develop high-quality technical documentation, knowledge base articles, and training materials for staff.
• Participate in the Infrastructure on-call rota for out-of-hours incidents, planned works and emergency support.
• Engage proactively with staff, students, governors, suppliers and partners, providing excellent customer service at all times.
• Support Trust-wide technology projects, procurement, testing and implementation activities, contributing to the continuous improvement of our IT services.

Full training will be provided in Trust systems, processes and procedures, and new starters will take part in a structured induction.

What You Will Need to Succeed

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Strong customer service skills with an approachable, solution-focused attitude and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Experience supporting IT infrastructure, including Windows Server, Active Directory, networking, cloud services and end-user devices.
• Ability to analyse logs, diagnose complex issues and identify performance or security concerns.
• Experience working with helpdesk/ticketing systems and accurate recording of work completed.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical users.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a Trust-wide team.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel across TSAT schools and work outside normal hours when required.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Essential technical skills and experience include:

(As listed in the personal specification – highlights below)

• Windows Server, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, GPO, messaging and collaboration tools 
• Network infrastructure experience (HP/Cisco/Aruba) 
• Experience with managed wireless networks, end-user device support, peripherals, and troubleshooting 
• Experience using PowerShell or other scripting tools for automation and support tasks 

A full UK driving licence and access to transport is essential for this role.

Thinking Technology oversee the maintenance and operation of IT services for all academies within the Trust, providing services including:

• End-user support for software and hardware issues through a dedicated helpdesk service and skilled technicians
• Development of the TSAT Digital Learning Strategy
• Maintenance and operation of core IT services e.g. email, broadband, networks and servers
• Advice and support on the development of capital building projects
• Bulk purchase of IT software and equipment
• Website hosting and development

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. 

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances.  That's why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils. 

Learn more about our Vision and Values here

What our Trust will offer you:  

• Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Annual Leave: A pro-rata annual leave entitlement of 27 days for support staff, increasing to 31 after 5 years of service. 
• Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
• Training: Expanded your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses.  
  
  
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
• Fitness and Wellness: Enjoy reduced membership fees for our fully-equipped fitness suite and classes.
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
• Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
• Convenient Parking: Park for free in our staff car park on-site.
• TSAT Benefits Portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership. 

Next Steps

If you are interested in working in our school, benefitting from a supportive network of staff across our Trust we would encourage you to apply.

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.

Visits to our schools are encouraged. To arrange a visit please contact the Recruitment Team ([email protected])

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process, please email [email protected]