Infrastructure Engineer Placement - 12 months - Pontefract in Pontefract, United Kingdom

The role  

Technology drives what we do at NEXT, and as a Tech Placement, you will be a vital part of our evolution. This role is designed to help you learn and grow by giving you hands-on experience and real responsibilities.

As a Trainee Infrastructure Engineer on a 12-month placement at our Pontefract hub, you will play a hands-on role in keeping our warehouse infrastructure secure, robust, and future-ready. You will make a real difference by supporting the vital systems that power NEXT, working closely with our Information Security and Infrastructure teams to identify weaknesses and build secure, innovative solutions. 

We don’t expect you to know everything from day one; you will be fully supported with clear technical standards, detailed documentation, and expert guidance from our Senior Engineers to help you hit the ground running and gain invaluable real-world experience.

This is a 12-month industrial placement and applicants must be studying a relevant University Degree course that includes a dedicated placement year July 2027 to July 2028.

What you'll take on

• Support the build, configuration, and maintenance of server infrastructure and storage solutions across our retail operations and head office.
• Carry out essential security remediation activities, such as patching systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and strengthening security across our wider networks.
• Assist in building and maintaining virtualisation platforms and cloud-based environments, ensuring our systems run efficiently.
• Follow the strategic direction set by our Infosec team, contributing to the overall safety and reliability of our data science and server infrastructure.
• Work collaboratively to follow established technical standards, actively using and updating documentation to support the wider team.

About you:

• Currently studying towards a STEM degree (on track for a 2:1 or higher) or a STEM Master's degree, that includes a 12-month placement—ideally with relevant studies in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, or a similar field.
• An exceptional eye for detail and a systematic, logical approach to solving complex problems.
• Natural curiosity and a strong desire to understand how systems work, and how they might break.
• Clear and professional communication skills, allowing you to articulate findings to both technical and non-technical team members.
• A self-motivated, ambitious attitude with an eagerness to learn and build strong, collaborative working relationships.

BE BRAVE. BE YOU. BE NEXT.

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• Company performance based bonus
• Sharesave scheme
• On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Early VIP access to sale stock
• Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
• Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
• Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
• Free on-site parking
• Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
• Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
• Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change. 

We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email [email protected] (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.