Job Description

Build the systems that power connectivity at national scale

At AllPoints Fibre Networks (APFN), we’re transforming how the UK connects. As a full‑fibre network wholesaler, we make high‑speed broadband simple, scalable and accessible through our API‑driven platform, Aquila.

We’re looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our Platforms Engineering team, playing a key role in the design, operation and continuous improvement of our Linux platforms, virtualised infrastructure, and hybrid cloud integrations.

This is a hands-on senior role focused on engineering reliable systems, solving complex problems, and supporting the evolution of our infrastructure, while mentoring others and contributing to strong engineering practices.

What you’ll be doing

Systems & Platform Engineering

• Engineer, operate and improve Linux-based platforms supporting internal services and ISP-facing systems

• Own and support our Proxmox virtualisation environment, with VMware as a legacy footprint

• Build and maintain highly available, resilient infrastructure with a focus on performance and stability

• Troubleshoot complex system issues across compute, storage and networking layers

• Support and enhance shared lab environments to enable testing, development and consistent builds

Hybrid Infrastructure & Integration

• Build and maintain secure connectivity between on-prem systems and AWS

• Support AWS services including networking, identity and service integration

• Ensure monitoring, alerting and visibility across hybrid infrastructure

• Assist with service transitions, operational readiness and capacity planning

Automation & Operational Excellence

• Develop and deliver automation using Python, Terraform and Ansible

• Improve system reliability and consistency through Infrastructure as Code and repeatable processes

• Maintain and enhance monitoring using Prometheus, Grafana, Zabbix, LibreNMS, ELK and Graylog

• Ensure backup, recovery and resilience processes are implemented and regularly tested

• Promote strong standards across documentation, build quality and operational practices

Technical Ownership & Leadership

• Act as a senior escalation point for complex technical issues

• Take ownership of problems through to resolution, driving root cause analysis and improvements

• Mentor and support engineers, particularly across Linux, automation and systems troubleshooting

• Contribute to technical design discussions and platform improvements

• Produce clear documentation (HLDs/LLDs) and share knowledge across teams

On-call & Reliability

• Participate in an on-call rota, supporting incident response and service recovery

• Focus on preventative engineering and continuous improvement following incidents

What you’ll bring

Essential experience

• Strong, hands-on expertise in Linux system administration and troubleshooting

• Experience with Proxmox, KVM/QEMU or similar virtualisation technologies

• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex infrastructure issues

• Experience with automation and scripting (Python preferred)

• Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and configuration management (Ansible)

• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals and system integration

• Experience supporting monitoring and observability platforms

• Ability to take ownership and operate effectively in a senior engineering capacity

• Strong communication skills with the ability to document and explain technical solutions

Nice to have

• AWS experience (VPCs, IAM, hybrid connectivity, high availability design)

• Experience with ISP-related systems (e.g. Kea DHCP, FreeRADIUS, MariaDB, ELK, LibreNMS)

• Knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF)

• Experience with hybrid networking (VPNs, Direct Connect)

• Exposure to lab or test environment design

• Relevant certifications (AWS, Linux, networking, automation)

• Familiarity with XGS‑PON technologies

Why join APFN?

We believe great engineering starts with well-supported people. Our benefits include:

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)

• Private medical & dental cover

• Income protection & life insurance

• Health and wellbeing support

• Pension and additional benefits

• A strong commitment to learning, development and inclusion

About us

At APFN, we’re curious, ambitious and delivery-focused. We move fast, support each other, and take pride in building reliable systems that make connectivity simpler for our partners.

If you want to work on meaningful infrastructure at scale — we’d love to hear from you.

👉 If you don’t meet every requirement but are excited by the role, we still encourage you to apply.