Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Architect

Hi ,

Greetings from Smart Work IT Services,

We are seeking an experienced Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Architect to lead enterprise-scale EUC transformations. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with AVD, Windows 365, image engineering, FSLogix, and Azure networking, and will drive assessments, optimizations, testing, and go-live stabilization.

Role: Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Architect

Location: Kansas, MO

Key Responsibilities:

1. Current State Assessment

• Review AVD architecture: host pools, app groups, FSLogix, networking, identity integration
• Assess Windows 365 provisioning policies and image baselines
• Evaluate image engineering approach: gold image process, hardening, update management
• Review application packaging, compatibility, and deployment methodology
• Identify misconfigurations, scalability risks, and technical blind spots
  Deliverable: Structured gap assessment with prioritized remediation roadmap

2. Image Engineering & Optimization

• Design and implement production-ready golden images
• Apply security baselines, performance tuning, FSLogix profile configuration, update/patch strategy
• Validate image lifecycle process (Dev Test Prod)
  Deliverable: Production-grade image with documented build process

3. Testing Strategy & Execution Support

• Develop and formalize test plans: functional, application, performance/load, UAT, failover/resiliency
• Define entry/exit criteria and support structured testing cycles
  Deliverable: Enterprise-ready test framework with execution oversight

4. Go-Live & Stabilization

• Provide hands-on support during cutover
• Troubleshoot profile issues, application performance, connectivity, authentication, image defects
• Lead hypercare stabilization and create knowledge transfer documentation
  Deliverable: Successful migration with minimal disruption

5. Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

• Create missing architecture documentation and image build procedures
• Provide operational runbooks to reduce dependency on tribal knowledge

Required Technical Expertise:

• 7+ years EUC experience
• 5+ years hands-on Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
• Strong Windows 365 Cloud PC implementation experience
• Advanced image engineering (Azure Image Builder / Packer / manual pipelines)
• FSLogix configuration and troubleshooting
• Azure networking fundamentals: VNet, NSG, Private Endpoints, identity integration
• Entra ID / AD DS integration
• Application packaging & deployment (MSIX, Intune, SCCM, scripting)
• Performance tuning and troubleshooting

Highly Preferred:

• Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops experience, migration from Citrix to AVD
• Enterprise-scale EUC transformation experience
• Security baseline and compliance alignment (CIS, Microsoft baselines)
• Automation: PowerShell, ARM, Bicep, Terraform