IT Systems Administrator

About Aquila ATMS

At Aquila Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS), we are dedicated to creating a workplace where innovation, collaboration, and excellence thrives. As a joint venture between NATS and Thales, we combine the expertise of leading air traffic control services and global systems integration to deliver cutting-edge solutions in air traffic management.

Join us in shaping the future of air traffic management, and together, we will elevate aviation safety and efficiency worldwide!

The Role

We are looking for an experienced IT Systems Administrator to permanently join our team in Whiteley. This is an opportunity to take a leading role in the day-to-day operation of Aquila’s IT environment, helping to keep our systems secure, reliable and performing at their best. Working alongside the IT Infrastructure Team Lead, Security Engineer, IT & Data Technical Operations Manager, Business Systems colleagues and end users, you will support the technology that enables our people and services to succeed.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Install, configure and maintain workstations, servers, virtual environments, networks, software and SaaS services.

• Administer Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, Azure and Intune, covering users, devices, licences, access, compliance, applications and security configuration.

• Strengthen operational resilience through effective backup, disaster recovery, monitoring, patching and cyber security controls.

• Act as a senior technical escalation point, resolving complex issues and providing clear guidance, training and documentation for users.

• Lead Aquila’s annual Cyber Essentials Plus readiness work and contribute to infrastructure projects, upgrades and continuous improvement.

This is a hands on role where you’ll contribute to meaningful work and play a part in helping the organisation achieve its objectives.

About You

You are an accomplished IT infrastructure professional who enjoys combining deep technical knowledge with practical problem-solving. Comfortable working across hybrid Microsoft environments, you can move confidently between cloud services, on-premises infrastructure, identity, endpoint management, networks and security. You communicate clearly with technical and non-technical colleagues, organise competing priorities effectively and take ownership through to resolution.

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• Significant experience administering and supporting enterprise IT systems, infrastructure, networks and software services.

• Strong knowledge of Active Directory, Windows Server, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, Azure, Intune, Exchange, SharePoint and PowerShell.

• Experience diagnosing complex technical issues, assessing risk and implementing practical fixes or improvements.

• The ability to manage concurrent workstreams, collaborate across teams and produce accurate technical documentation.

• A proactive approach to learning new technologies, improving services and supporting users with patience and clarity.

You also:

• Promote Aquila’s Just Culture , reporting incidents, safety non compliance, or potential issues in an appropriate and timely manner.

• Consistently demonstrate behaviours aligned with Aquila’s core values and leadership behaviours in all actions and decisions.

What We're Looking For

Essential Criteria

1. Strong administration capability across Active Directory, Windows Server, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, Azure fundamentals, Intune, Exchange, virtualisation, IP networking, backup and PowerShell.

2. Good understanding of Group Policy, endpoint management, LANs, VPNs, routing, DHCP, DNS and the practical application of cyber security principles.

3. Significant experience supporting enterprise infrastructure and services, resolving complex technical issues and delivering multiple priorities effectively.

4. Demonstrable ability to maintain resilient services through monitoring, patching, backup, disaster recovery, security controls and accurate operational documentation.

5. One or more of: Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, or equivalent practical experience.

Desirable Criteria

1. Relevant certification such as Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect, Identity and Access Administrator, Endpoint Administrator, Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert, ITIL Foundation, Security+ or a Linux administration qualification.

2. Experience with technologies such as HP or Dell hardware, Android, iOS, Juniper switches, Palo Alto firewalls, Datto RMM, HALO ITSM, telephony or remote monitoring tools.

3. Experience providing user training, creating knowledge content, using workflow automation and applying effective AI prompt engineering.

4. Membership of a relevant professional body, such as BCS.

If you do not meet every requirement but believe your experience is relevant, we would still like to hear from you. The role is based in Whiteley, with some travel in line with business needs and occasional on-call support when required. Security clearance is required.

Benefits

Core Benefits

• 201 hours (approx. 27 days) annual leave + 1 Company Day to be used at Christmas (Excluding Bank Holidays) - Prorated for part time contracts

• Time off to volunteer (up to 3 days per annum)

• Company Pension Plan (Aquila contribution = employee contribution + 1%, up to 7%)

• Life Assurance (2x basic salary or up to 8x if in the pension scheme)

• Income Protection

• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support and counselling

• Company paid Private Medical Insurance (Couple cover)

• Variable Compensation Plan (discretionary bonus)

• Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits

Through Aquila’s flexible benefits platform, you can tailor your package, including:

• Healthcare Cash Plan options

• Additional PMI cover

• Buy or sell annual leave

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Discounts at high street retailers

Family, Wellbeing & Lifestyle

• Enhanced Maternity pay

• Enhanced Paternity leave & pay

• Enhanced Occupational Sick pay

• Mental Health First Aiders

• Recognition through Altair Award

• Employee referral bonus

Security Clearance Statement

Due to the nature of the work that we do, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance- United Kingdom Security Vetting – GOV.UK (

Equal Opportunities, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Aquila ATMS is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made fairly and without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, or any other characteristic protected by law.