Role Title: Endpoint/Linux SME Start Date: Early May End Date: 30th November 2026 Rate: £506 pay - Umbrella only Location: Knutsford [3 days on site] Role Overview The Endpoint SME will support and be responsible for the packaging, testing, and deployment of software packages including but not limited to Illumio VEN agents across a heterogeneous endpoint estate including Windows Desktop, Windows Server, Linux Server, and macOS. The role focuses on enabling standardised, repeatable deployment artefacts ("pack and wrap") suitable for enterprise scale rollout across both End User and Infrastructure environments. This role will work closely with Security Engineering, End User Computing, and Infrastructure teams, providing deep endpoint expertise, troubleshooting issues during deployment, and ensuring compatibility with existing tooling and native OS firewall controls. Key Responsibilities, skills and experience Illumio VEN Agent Packaging & Deployment Package and customise Illumio VEN agents for enterprise deployment across multiple operating systems. Create standardised deployment bundles suitable for Infra and End User estates ("pack & wrap"). Validate agent behaviour across Windows, Linux, and macOS endpoints prior to production rollout. Endpoint & OS Expertise Support deployment on: Windows Desktop Windows Server Linux Server (multiple distributions) macOS Troubleshoot OS level, kernel, service, and networking issues affecting agent deployment and operation. Automation & Configuration Management IntegrateIllumio agent deployment with existing automation frameworks including: Chef Ansible Align packaging and deployment methods with established enterprise packaging standards. Security & Networking Integration Work with native OS firewall tooling across Windows, Linux, and macOS to ensure compatibility with Illumio VEN behaviour. Support advanced troubleshooting related to endpoint networking, policy enforcement, and agent communication. Mandatory Technical Skills & Experience Endpoint & Operating Systems Strong hands on experience with: Windows administration (Desktop & Server) Linux administration (enterprise server environments) macOS administration Deep understanding of endpoint services, startup processes, permissions, and OS security models. Packaging & Deployment Proven experience with software packaging methodologies in large enterprise environments. Experience creating silent installs, rollback mechanisms, and deployment scripts. Familiarity with testing deployments at scale prior to production rollout. Automation & Tooling Hands on experience with: Chef Ansible Ability to integrate endpoint deployments into automated pipelines. Security / Networking Experience with native OS firewall configurations across Windows, Linux, and macOS. Understanding of endpoint security controls and agent based security tooling. Preferred / Advantageous Experience Prior hands on experience deploying Illumio VEN agents in enterprise environments. Experience working in financial services or similarly regulated environments. Exposure to large scale endpoint rollouts across mixed Infra and End User estates. (Note: Illumio specific experience is desirable but not mandatory if strong endpoint and packaging expertise exists.) Certifications (Preferred but Not Mandatory) Linux certifications (e.g. RHCSA / RHCE or equivalent) Microsoft endpoint or server related certifications macOS enterprise administration certifications Security certifications relevant to endpoint or infrastructure security Soft Skills & Behavioural Competencies Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical issues and solutions in English (spoken and written). Ability to collaborate effectively with: Security Engineering teams End User Computing teams Infrastructure & Platform teams Structured, methodical approach to problem solving and troubleshooting. Comfortable working across geographically distributed teams (UK & India delivery model). Proactive, delivery focused mindset with the ability to operate independently as an SME.