Metrea is a defense company focused on translating commercial innovation into solutions for national security. The Lead DevOps Engineer will lead the design and hands-on oversight of DevOps, Security, and Network support for the UK and Europe. This role involves designing and implementing cloud and on-prem infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, containerised applications, security and observability solutions, and driving best-practice automation, scalability, reliability, security, and cost efficiency. The position requires developing DevSecOps solutions with considerations for highly sensitive workloads. The successful candidate will join a regionally-based team of first-line engineers supporting approximately 200 employees across the UK and Europe.

Overview

Reports to: Head of Enterprise IT Engineering

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Location: London office based in Hammersmith

Position Summary

The Lead DevOps Engineer is responsible for the strategic design and hands-on oversight of DevOps workstreams, including security and network support, across the UK and Europe.

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Initiatives: Own and drive Metrea’s strategic initiatives for DevOps, Security, and Infrastructure requirements.
• CI/CD Pipeline Design: Design and implement CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps and Terraform to streamline development and deployment processes.
• Containerised Workloads: Architect and optimise containerised workloads using Docker and Kubernetes for scalability and performance.
• Observability Solutions: Define and implement comprehensive observability solutions, including monitoring, logging, and alerting.
• Network Design and Management: Design and manage cloud and on-prem networking across all UK offices to ensure robust and secure connectivity.
• Security and Compliance: Implement and maintain security measures across all environments and ensure compliance with security standards and regulations.
• DevOps Advisory: Advise platform and software teams on DevOps capability enhancements.
• Policy and Tooling Feedback: Provide feedback to improve policies, standards, practices, and DevOps tooling.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Base decisions on data, ROI, and value measures for cost management.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Collaborate with IT and software teams to foster a cohesive and efficient environment.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship: Lead and mentor the team, promoting DevSecOps best practices.
• Continuous Improvement: Maintain a mindset of continuous learning and industry trend awareness.

Skills and Experience

• Extensive hands-on experience with Azure (AWS or GCP also applicable), including Kubernetes, networking, and security best practices. Expertise in CI/CD automation using Azure DevOps (GitLab or GitHub also applicable) and infrastructure as code (Terraform).

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Experience in a Senior or Lead DevOps role with seniority and complexity aligned to the position
• Experience leading and mentoring a team of DevOps engineers
• Delivery of secure, large-scale on-prem and/or cloud projects
• Deep understanding of Docker and Kubernetes; scalable, resilient containerised workloads and blue/green deployments
• High-availability, performance, scalability, and security focus
• CI/CD pipelines experience (Azure DevOps Pipelines, JetBrains TeamCity, Perforce)
• Infrastructure as code experience (Terraform)
• Scripting skills (Bash, Python, or PowerShell)
• Monitoring, logging, and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Application Insights, Azure Monitor)
• Cloud networking concepts, load balancing, security controls
• DevSecOps principles and security-as-code within Agile environments
• Regulatory compliance experience (ISO 27001, NIST frameworks) including audits
• Experience with globally located teams and vendors
• Strategic, forward-thinking mindset with a passion for innovation
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
• Experience across multiple security classifications
• UK Security clearance
• Experience with M365 tooling (Defender EDR, Intune MDM, Azure AD, Azure Sentinel)
• Experience with AWS tooling (Security Hub, Inspector, GuardDuty, Config, WAF, SSM)
• Cyber Essentials guidelines/expertise
• Experience with NIST 800-53/800-171/800-30 and ISO:27001 accreditation
• Experience in defence and/or aerospace sectors

Our Firmware and Culture

Metrea’s core value is “rooted in humility,” supported by attributes: entrepreneurial, systematic, discerning, and over-deliver. We are a hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical organization united by a passion for what we do and whom we do it for.

Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance
• Subsidised gym membership/plans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrificed pension scheme
• Free lunch on office days
• Enhanced Parental Leave

Right to Work

The employee will have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom and will be able to provide right-to-work documentation.

Equal Opportunity

Metrea Management Limited (MAMK) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or other characteristics protected by law.

Position Type and Hours

This is a full-time non-exempt position with typical hours of Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On-call and overtime requirements may apply as business needs require.

Travel

Some travel to other offices as required.