AVD Architect

Location: Chicago IL
Market Rate (Candidates with low rate are preferred)

Inviting applications for the role of Principle Consultant - AVD Architect
The AVD Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable, secure, and cost-efficient Azure Virtual Desktop solutions. This role requires a deep understanding of Azure services, desktop virtualization, and end-user computing. The architect will work closely with stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical designs that align with the Azure Well-Architected Framework.

Responsibilities
Solution Design: Lead the end-to-end architecture and design of AVD solutions, including high-level and low-level design documents.
Implementation and Migration: Oversee the deployment and configuration of AVD environments, including host pools, workspaces, and session hosts. Guide the migration of existing VDI solutions (e.g., Citrix, VMware) or on-premises environments to AVD.
Azure Infrastructure: Design and manage the underlying Azure components, including virtual networks, storage (FSLogix), and identity services (Azure AD/Entra ID) to support AVD workloads.
Security and Compliance: Implement and enforce security best practices, including role-based access controls (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and Conditional Access policies, to ensure compliance and a secure virtual desktop environment.
Performance and Optimization: Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize AVD performance and user experience. Implement cost-optimization strategies using autoscaling and other resource management techniques.
Automation: Automate routine management tasks using scripting languages such as PowerShell and deployment templates like ARM or Bicep.
Business Continuity: Design and implement robust disaster recovery (DR) and high-availability (HA) solutions to ensure business continuity.
Collaboration and Leadership: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior staff, and provide technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle.
Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including architectural designs, implementation guides, and operational runbooks.
Qualifications we seek in you!
Minimum Qualifications / Skills
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Extensive experience with 10 years of experience designing and implementing desktop virtualization solutions, with significant expertise in Azure Virtual Desktop.
Required: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104).
Required: Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).
Highly Desirable: Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140).

Preferred Qualifications/ Skills
Experience with other VDI technologies, such as Citrix Cloud, is a strong plus.
Experience in a consulting environment.