Azure Virtual Desktop Architect

About the role

The ideal candidate will possess at least 14 years of demonstrated success in desktop virtualization, infrastructure architecture, and cloud migrations, coupled with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Define the target-state AVD architecture, including host pools, session hosts, FSLogix profile containers, networking, and security.
• Develop high level and detailed design documents, solution diagrams, and sizing models.
• Establish imaging and scaling strategies using Azure Compute (VMSS/VMs), ARM templates, and infrastructure-as-code (IaC).
• Assess current Citrix environment (XenApp/XenDesktop) to identify dependencies, profiles, applications, and user segmentation.
• Create a comprehensive migration plan, including cut over approaches (lift and shift, re build, hybrid), risk assessments, and rollback strategies.
• Lead pilot migrations, validate performance, adjust hosting scale and configurations, and drive full scale rollouts.
• Deploy and configure AVD control planes, session hosts, FSLogix, Azure AD, and networking (VPN/ExpressRoute).
• Implement user profile management, application layering, FSLogix containers on Azure NetApp Files or Azure Files.
• Tune image boot performance, auto-scaling, and log analytics for operational efficiency.
• Integrate Azure Virtual Desktop with Azure Active Directory, Conditional Access, MFA, and role based access controls.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (ISO, SOC, GDPR) and corporate security policies.
• Design secure network segmentation, NSGs, Azure Firewall, and Private Link.
• Lead a cross-functional team of engineers, project managers, and third party vendors.
• Communicate project status, risks, and mitigation plans with senior management and stakeholders.
• Mentor and train internal teams on AVD best practices and operational support models.
• Author runbooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and knowledge transfer materials.
• Establish monitoring and maintenance schedules via Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Automation.
• Oversee transition to support teams and provide post migration optimization.

Requirements

• Experience: ≥14 years in desktop virtualization with at least 5 migrations from Citrix to AVD or equivalent.
• Proven track record designing and implementing large scale AVD environments (≥1,000 users).
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop planning, architecture, and troubleshooting.
• Advanced skills with Azure Virtual Desktop, FSLogix, Azure Active Directory, and Azure networking.
• Proficiency in scripting (PowerShell, ARM/Terraform), automation, and IaC.
• Familiarity with application virtualization, Microsoft 365, and profile management tools.

Qualifications

• Certifications (preferred): Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty Citrix Certified Professional (CCP VDI) or equivalent.

Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills.
• Ability to work in fast paced, matrixed environments and manage multiple priorities.

Benefits

Full-time, regular employees accrue a minimum of 10 days of paid vacation per year, receive 6 days of paid sick leave each year (pro-rated for new hires throughout the year), 10 paid holidays, and are eligible for paid bereavement leave and jury duty. They are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching. They and their dependents residing in the US are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as the following Company-paid Employee Only benefits: basic life insurance, accidental death and disability insurance, and short- and long-term disability benefits. Regular employees may purchase additional voluntary short-term disability benefits, and participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA) as well as a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare, dependent child care, and/or commuting expenses as allowable under IRS guidelines. Benefits offerings vary in Puerto Rico. Part-time employees receive 6 days of paid sick leave each year (pro-rated for new hires throughout the year) and are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching. Full-time temporary employees receive 6 days of paid sick leave each year (pro-rated for new hires throughout the year) and are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer matching. They and their dependents residing in the US are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance. Part-time temporary employees receive 6 days of paid sick leave each year (pro-rated for new hires throughout the year).