Lead Desktop Engineer

  • Posted 6 hours ago | Updated 6 hours ago

Overview

On Site
USD 70.62 - 70.62 per hour
Contract - W2

Skills

Scalability
Provisioning
Configuration Management
Hardening
Microsoft Windows
Cloud Computing
Microsoft Azure
Stacks Blockchain
Root Cause Analysis
Software Packaging
Version Control
Regulatory Compliance
Workflow
Mentorship
Project Management
OS X
Activity-based Management
Master Data Management
Mobile Device Management
Scripting
Bash
Python
AppleScript
Microsoft Office
Policy Administration
Encryption
Documentation
Communication
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Media
Broadcasting
Post-production
Management
Adobe Creative Cloud
Final Cut Pro
Microsoft
ITIL
Life Insurance
Screening
Writing
Career Counseling
Recruiting
Law
Testing

Job Details

Lead Desktop Engineer - Contract - New York, NY - $70.62 - $70.62/hr.

The final salary or hourly wage, as applicable, paid to each candidate/applicant for this position is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's/applicant's qualifications, skills, and level of experience as well as the geographical location of the position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship not available.

Cognizant is seeking a Lead Desktop Engineer in New York, NY.

Role Description

macOS Endpoint Management: Lead lifecycle and configuration management of Apple devices across client environments, focusing on standardization, performance, and scalability.
JAMF Pro Ownership: Architect, deploy, and manage JAMF Pro environments. Build and maintain smart groups, policies, profiles, and automated remediation workflows.
Automation & Scripting: Develop scripts (Bash, Python, AppleScript) to streamline provisioning, patching, configuration management, and endpoint monitoring.
Security & Compliance: Enforce hardening standards, encryption (FileVault), and compliance with organizational and regulatory benchmarks (e.g., CIS, NIST). Support MDM frameworks and zero-trust models.
Cross-Platform Integration: Work with Windows and cloud platform engineers to ensure seamless macOS integration into Azure AD, Intune, M365, and common identity and security stacks.
Advanced Support & Escalation: Serve as the final technical escalation point for macOS-related issues. Perform RCA and long-term resolution planning.
Application Packaging & Deployment: Manage application packaging, version control, and compliance for all Mac software deployments, including creative tools commonly used in media workflows.
Documentation & Mentorship: Produce and maintain detailed system and support documentation. Guide and mentor junior engineers and support analysts.
Project Leadership: Lead endpoint-related initiatives including OS upgrades, zero-touch deployment rollouts, security remediation efforts, and MDM transformations.

Skills & Requirements

Requirements
7+ years of enterprise IT experience with 5+ years focused on macOS and endpoint management.
Extensive JAMF Pro expertise - JAMF 300+ certification strongly preferred.
Strong experience with macOS internals, Apple Business Manager (ABM/DEP), VPP, MDM/APNs.
Solid scripting experience in Bash, Python, or AppleScript.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 administration and endpoint policy management.
Working knowledge of security tools, encryption, and endpoint monitoring.
Excellent documentation, communication, and client management skills.
Preferred: Background supporting media, broadcast, or post-production environments with familiarity in managing creative tools (e.g., Adobe CC, Final Cut Pro).
Bonus: Experience with Microsoft Intune, ITIL foundation.

Benefits/Other Compensation

This position is a contract/temporary role where Hays offers you the opportunity to enroll in full medical benefits, dental benefits, vision benefits, 401K and Life Insurance ($20,000 benefit).

Why Hays?

You will be working with a professional recruiter who has intimate knowledge of the industry and market trends. Your Hays recruiter will lead you through a thorough screening process in order to understand your skills, experience, needs, and drivers. You will also get support on resume writing, interview tips, and career planning, so when there's a position you really want, you're fully prepared to get it.

Nervous about an upcoming interview? Unsure how to write a new resume?

Visit the Hays Career Advice section to learn top tips to help you stand out from the crowd when job hunting.

Hays is committed to building a thriving culture of diversity that embraces people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better we serve our candidates, clients, and employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer, and we comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, HIV-positive status, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. One of Hays' guiding principles is 'do the right thing'.
We also believe that actions speak louder than words.
In that regard, we train our staff on ensuring inclusivity throughout the entire recruitment process and counsel our clients on these principles. If you have any questions about Hays or any of our processes, please contact us.

In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, Hays will attempt to reasonably accommodate those individuals unless doing so would create an undue hardship on the company. Any qualified applicant or consultant with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should call or text .

Drug testing may be required; please contact a recruiter for more information.

#LI-DNI
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.