Azure Virtual Desktop Engineer

First Horizon•Memphis, TN

9h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Administrator to design, deploy, and manage our cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure. This role is pivotal in ensuring a secure, scalable, and high-performing AVD environment that supports our organization’s digital transformation and remote work initiatives. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver seamless user experiences, optimize performance, and maintain robust security standards in a dynamic Azure cloud ecosystem.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in Azure cloud engineering, with at least 2 years focused on deploying and managing Azure Virtual Desktop environments.
Proven experience in migrating on-premises VDI solutions to cloud-based platforms.
Familiarity with hybrid cloud environments and integration with on-premises infrastructure.
Expertise in Azure Virtual Desktop deployment, management, and optimization, including host pools, workspaces, and application groups.
Proficiency in automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Azure CLI, ARM templates, or Bicep).
Strong understanding of cloud security best practices, including Microsoft Entra ID, RBAC, and network security (e.g., Azure Firewall, NSGs).
Experience with FSLogix for user profile management and Azure Monitor for performance analytics.
Knowledge of related Azure services (e.g., Azure Active Directory, Azure Blob Storage, Azure Backup).
Familiarity with DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code (Ia).
Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills to address complex technical challenges.
Strong communication skills to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty or Microsoft Certified: Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.
Additional certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals or Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert are a plus.
Experience with Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune) for device management and application delivery.
Knowledge of containerization technologies (e.g., Azure Container Instances) for application delivery in AVD.
Familiarity with cost management tools like Azure Cost Management and Billing to optimize AVD resource usage.
Experience supporting remote or hybrid workforces in industries such as finance, healthcare, or technology.

Responsibilities

Architect, deploy, and configure Azure Virtual Desktop environments tailored to organizational requirements, including multi-session and single-session setups.
Implement custom OS images for virtual desktops using Azure Image Builder or similar tools to ensure consistency and compliance.
Execute regular maintenance tasks, such as patching, updating virtual machine images, and managing Azure policies to keep the AVD environment secure and compliant.
Automate routine maintenance tasks using Azure Automation, PowerShell, or Azure CLI to improve efficiency.
Monitor and optimize AVD performance using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights to ensure low latency and a seamless user experience.
Fine-tune resource allocation (e.g., scaling host pools, managing compute resources) to balance cost and performance.
Deploy and manage monitoring solutions to track AVD health, performance metrics, and user activity, proactively addressing potential issues.
Leverage Azure Sentinel or similar tools for real-time threat detection and incident response within the AVD environment.
Lead the migration from traditional on-premises desktop environments (e.g., Windows Server RDS, Citrix) to Azure Virtual Desktop, ensuring minimal disruption and comprehensive user training.
Develop and execute migration plans, including application compatibility testing and user profile management with FSLogix.
Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues related to AVD, including connectivity, application performance, and session host failures.
Provide Tier 2/3 support to end-users, leveraging Azure support tools and ticketing systems to ensure high availability and user satisfaction.
Implement and manage security controls, including Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) for identity management, Conditional Access policies, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and organizational policies through secure configuration and regular audits.
Work closely with IT, cybersecurity, and DevOps teams to integrate AVD with other Azure services (e.g., Azure Files, Azure NetApp Files, Microsoft 365).
Partner with application owners to ensure compatibility and optimize delivery of business-critical applications via AVD.
Maintain detailed documentation of AVD configurations, processes, and troubleshooting guides.
Provide training and knowledge transfer to internal teams and end-users to support adoption and efficient use of AVD.