Junior DevOps Specialist

Thales is seeking a motivated Junior DevOps Specialist to assist in automating, configuring, and managing Windows and Linux server environments. The role involves developing and maintaining Ansible playbooks for server configuration, deployment, and management, and supporting their integration with CI/CD pipelines. The specialist will collaborate with senior team members to ensure consistency, security, and efficiency across solutions, troubleshoot issues, and document workflows.

Must Have

• Assist in developing and maintaining Ansible playbooks for Windows and Linux servers.
• Contribute to modular playbook creation for various environments.
• Support Ansible workflow integration with CI/CD pipelines.
• Troubleshoot server configuration and automation issues.
• Document Ansible playbooks, roles, and workflows.
• Bachelor's degree or college diploma in a relevant technical field.
• 0-3 years of relevant technical experience.
• Basic knowledge of Windows and/or Linux operating systems.
• Foundational understanding of scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
• Basic experience with Git version control.
• Basic understanding of YAML configuration files.
• Awareness of Ansible and automation concepts.
• Awareness of basic networking concepts.
• Comfortable with VS Code, terminal/shell tools, and DevOps utilities.

Good to Have

• Exposure to, or basic familiarity with, Windows and/or Linux server administration.
• Interest in learning or some experience with scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash, or Python).
• Awareness of CI/CD concepts or tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar).
• Interest in or some familiarity with configuration management tools like Ansible is an asset.
• Some understanding of version control systems, especially Git.
• Curiosity about automation practices (e.g., infrastructure as code, scripting, or CI/CD pipelines).
• Basic understanding of DevOps concepts and willingness to build skills in cloud technologies.
• Awareness of networking and cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Interest in containers and orchestration platforms (such as Docker or Kubernetes) is an asset.

Perks & Benefits

• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, Cancer Care Program, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.
• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.
• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Discounts on home, auto, and gym membership.

Location: Ottawa, Canada

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

For decades, Ottawa has been a global technology leader. Today, Canada’s capital holds one of the brightest and most diverse technological ecosystems in North America. Voted as Canada’s best place to live 2017 by Maclean's, Ottawa offers a low cost of living with a high quality of life. The Thales Ottawa office has been a major supplier and long-term trusted partner to DND, enabling the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard to achieve mission success.

This is for a hybrid role in Ottawa, ON.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated Junior DevOps specialist with some experience in automating, configuring, and managing Windows and Linux server environments. In this role, you will assist with implementing and maintaining automation solutions to streamline server configuration, deployment, and management processes using Ansible. You will work closely with senior team members and other teams to help ensure consistency, security, and efficiency across our solutions.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Assist with developing and maintaining Ansible playbooks and roles to automate configuration tasks across Windows and Linux servers under the guidance of senior team members.
• Contribute to the creation of modular playbooks that support different environments (dev, test, production) as part of a team effort.
• Learn and apply Ansible best practices by following established standards and practices.
• Support the integration of Ansible workflows with CI/CD pipelines, collaborating with experienced team members.
• Help identify and troubleshoot issues related to server configuration and automation with support.
• Document Ansible playbooks, roles, and workflows for reference and knowledge sharing.
• Assist in reviewing logs and troubleshooting issues related to automation, servers, or deployments

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in Computer Science, Computer Tech, or Engineering related discipline
• 0 to 3 years of relevant technical experience (recent graduates and early-career professionals are encouraged to apply)
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills, with a strong desire to learn new technologies and approaches
• Good organizational skills, with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively

Computer proficiency and technical skills may include:

• Basic knowledge or familiarity with Windows and/or Linux operating systems
• Foundational understanding or exposure to scripting or programming (such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell)
• Basic experience with version control tools, especially Git
• Basic understanding of working with YAML-based configuration files
• Awareness of configuration management tools (such as Ansible) and automation concepts; hands-on experience is a plus, but not required
• Interest in CI/CD pipelines, cloud platforms, and DevOps practices
• Awareness of basic networking concepts (such as DNS, IP addressing, ports, and firewalls)
• Comfortable using VS Code, terminal/shell tools, and basic DevOps utilities
• Ability to build strong working relationships across the business, with a customer-oriented approach
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to, or basic familiarity with, Windows and/or Linux server administration
• Interest in learning or some experience with scripting languages (such as PowerShell, Bash, or Python)
• Awareness of CI/CD concepts or tools (such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar)
• Interest in or some familiarity with configuration management tools like Ansible is an asset
• Some understanding of version control systems, especially Git
• Curiosity about automation practices (e.g., infrastructure as code, scripting, or CI/CD pipelines); eager to learn new tools and methods
• Basic understanding of DevOps concepts and a willingness to build skills in cloud technologies (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Awareness of networking and cybersecurity fundamentals
• Interest in containers and orchestration platforms (such as Docker or Kubernetes) is an asset