Location: Knutsford Job Type: Contract Industry: Business Transformation Job reference: BBBH436295_1775121106 Posted: 2 days ago
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
1. Package and customise Illumio VEN agents for enterprise deployment across multiple operating systems.
2. Create standardised deployment bundles suitable for Infra and End User estates ("pack & wrap").
3. Validate agent behaviour across Windows, Linux, and macOS endpoints prior to production rollout.
Endpoint & OS Expertise
4. Support deployment on: Windows DesktopWindows ServerLinux Server (multiple distributions)macOSTroubleshoot OS level, kernel, service, and networking issues affecting agent deployment and operation.
Automation & Configuration Management
5. IntegrateIllumio agent deployment with existing automation frameworks including: ChefAnsibleAlign packaging and deployment methods with established enterprise packaging standards.
Security & Networking Integration
6. Work with native OS firewall tooling across Windows, Linux, and macOS to ensure compatibility with Illumio VEN behaviour.
7. Support advanced troubleshooting related to endpoint networking, policy enforcement, and agent communication.
Mandatory Technical Skills & Experience
Endpoint & Operating Systems
8. Strong hands on experience with: Windows administration (Desktop & Server)Linux administration (enterprise server environments)macOS administration
9. Deep understanding of endpoint services, startup processes, permissions, and OS security models.
Packaging & Deployment
10. Proven experience with software packaging methodologies in large enterprise environments.
11. Experience creating silent installs, rollback mechanisms, and deployment scripts.
12. Familiarity with testing deployments at scale prior to production rollout.
Automation & Tooling
13. Hands on experience with: ChefAnsible
14. Ability to integrate endpoint deployments into automated pipelines.
Security / Networking
15. Experience with native OS firewall configurations across Windows, Linux, and macOS.
16. Understanding of endpoint security controls and agent based security tooling.
Preferred / Advantageous Experience
17. Prior hands on experience deploying Illumio VEN agents in enterprise environments.
18. Experience working in financial services or similarly regulated environments.
19. 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)
20. Linux certifications (e.g. RHCSA / RHCE or equivalent)
21. Microsoft endpoint or server related certifications
22. macOS enterprise administration certifications
23. Security certifications relevant to endpoint or infrastructure security
Soft Skills & Behavioural Competencies
24. Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical issues and solutions in English (spoken and written).
25. Ability to collaborate effectively with: Security Engineering teamsEnd User Computing teamsInfrastructure & Platform teams
26. Structured, methodical approach to problem solving and troubleshooting.
27. Comfortable working across geographically distributed teams (UK & India delivery model).
28. Proactive, delivery focused mindset with the ability to operate independently as an SME.