Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) SME

Location: 100% Remote Work Authorization: U.S. Citizens Only (USC) Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a short-term enterprise infrastructure project. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience designing, implementing, optimizing, and supporting Azure Virtual Desktop environments. This role requires strong expertise in Azure infrastructure, desktop virtualization, identity management, security, and performance optimization. The consultant will provide technical leadership, troubleshoot complex issues, and collaborate with infrastructure, cloud, security, and endpoint management teams. Key Responsibilities Design, deploy, configure, and maintain enterprise-scale Azure Virtual Desktop environments. Manage host pools, session hosts, application groups, workspaces, and desktop images. Configure and optimize FSLogix profile containers, Azure Files, and Azure NetApp Files. Integrate AVD with Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory, Group Policy, and Microsoft Intune. Manage Azure networking, virtual machines, storage, monitoring, and security configurations. Develop deployment and administration automation using PowerShell, Azure CLI, Bicep, or Terraform. Troubleshoot complex issues related to connectivity, authentication, user profiles, latency, and application performance. Optimize Azure resource utilization, VM sizing, autoscaling, and cloud costs. Implement security best practices, including RBAC, MFA, Conditional Access, and network segmentation. Configure Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and diagnostic tools. Provide architectural guidance, technical documentation, operational runbooks, and knowledge transfer. Collaborate with enterprise stakeholders and serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues. Required Qualifications 8+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, cloud engineering, systems engineering, or virtualization. 4+ years of hands-on experience designing, deploying, and supporting Azure Virtual Desktop environments. Strong expertise in AVD architecture, host pools, session hosts, application groups, and image management. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Azure compute, networking, storage, monitoring, and security. Hands-on experience with FSLogix and Windows 10/11 Enterprise multi-session. Experience with Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory, Intune, and Group Policy. Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation. Experience troubleshooting complex enterprise VDI and desktop virtualization issues. Knowledge of Azure cost optimization, performance tuning, and enterprise security practices. Excellent communication skills and experience working with enterprise clients. Must be a U.S. Citizen (USC). Preferred Qualifications Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140). Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104). Experience with Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Experience migrating from Citrix, VMware Horizon, or traditional on-premises VDI to Azure Virtual Desktop. Familiarity with Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates, or Nerdio Manager for Enterprise. Experience with Microsoft 365, Azure Virtual WAN, private endpoints, and hybrid identity architectures. Experience supporting large-scale enterprise, consulting, or regulated environments. Key Deliverables Azure Virtual Desktop architecture and configuration documentation. Configured, validated, and optimized AVD infrastructure. Security, performance, and cost-optimization recommendations. Troubleshooting guides and operational support documentation. Knowledge transfer and transition support. Skills: security,microsoft,azure,management,application,virtual desktop,infrastructure,enterprise