Virtualization Architect

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Evaluate and redesign the existing Azure Virtual Desktop ecosystem to enhance performance, stability, usability, and supportability.

• Spearhead the migration strategy from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for virtual desktop environments.

• Establish and execute a long-term roadmap for end-user computing aimed at boosting employee productivity and user satisfaction.

• Design and facilitate integrations among Azure Virtual Desktop, physical endpoints, Microsoft 365, Intune, Autopilot, Nerdio, FlexApp, and FSLogix.

• Investigate and resolve intricate desktop engineering challenges related to connectivity, authentication, application delivery, profile management, and Microsoft 365 user experience.

• Identify the root causes of recurring end-user issues and develop sustainable solutions.

• Collaborate with business users and stakeholders to comprehend pain points and enhance user experience.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and technical direction to desktop engineering teams.

• Create architecture standards, technical documentation, implementation plans, and operational procedures.

• Manage projects from initial assessment through design, deployment, optimization, and operational handover.

• Work closely with networking, infrastructure, security, and service desk teams to troubleshoot and enhance end-user computing services.

• Act as a technical advocate for modernization initiatives.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive experience in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) architecture and engineering.

• Practical experience with Nerdio administration and automation.

• Familiarity with FlexApp or similar application layering technologies.

• Strong troubleshooting skills across desktop, virtualization, identity, authentication, and networking domains.

• Experience in supporting Microsoft 365 applications within virtual desktop environments.

• Working knowledge of Intune and Windows Autopilot.

• Experience in designing and supporting Windows endpoint environments.

• Capability to balance architectural responsibilities with hands-on implementation tasks.

• Preferred experience in FSLogix profile management.

• Expertise in endpoint management and device lifecycle management is preferred.

• Preferred experience in Windows 11 migration.

• Experience in financial services or highly regulated industries is preferred.

• Outstanding customer service and communication skills.

• Ability to engage directly with business users and executive stakeholders.

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Ability to influence teams and constructively challenge existing assumptions.

• An empathetic, consultative, and solutions-oriented approach.

• Proficiency in PowerShell, automation, Active Directory, Windows, virtualization, Azure Virtual Desktop, Azure Virtual Machines, and golden images.

• Experience with Nerdio Manager for AVD administration, host pool management, image management, AVD automation, operational optimization, and cost and performance management.

• Knowledge of FlexApp application packaging and delivery, application layering strategy, application lifecycle management, integration with AVD environments, and troubleshooting application delivery issues.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision coverage.

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Options for pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available.

• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Health Spending Account (HSA).

• Transportation benefits.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave).