Sr Azure Virtual Desktop Engineer

Role Overview: 

We are seeking a Sr Azure Virtual Desktop Engineer to support cloud modernization initiatives for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in the Alexandria, VA area. This role is part of a high-impact program focused on delivering secure, scalable cloud solutions that enable operational agility and resilience across the USCG enterprise.  ​As the Azure Virtual Desktop Engineer, you will lead the management of our enterprise AVD environment. This role also includes responsibility for cloud patching operations across our AWS/Azure infrastructure, ensuring secure, compliant, and high-performing virtual desktop and cloud systems. You’ll work closely with cloud engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and program leadership to drive continuous improvement and deliver value to the mission.  

​Key Responsibilities: 

• ​Design and architect scalable, secure, and high-performing Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments.   

• ​Deploy and manage AVD infrastructure using Nerdio Manager for Enterprise (NME).   

• ​Configure and optimize host pools, session hosts, FSLogix profiles, application groups, and user experience.   

• ​Implement autoscaling, image management, and cost optimization strategies using Nerdio.   

• ​Integrate AVD with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Intune, Conditional Access, and Microsoft Defender.   

• ​Develop and maintain golden images for Windows 10/11 multi-session environments.   

• ​Automate deployment and operational tasks using PowerShell, ARM/Bicep templates, Terraform, or Azure DevOps pipelines.   

• ​Troubleshoot performance, connectivity, and profile-related issues in AVD environments.   

• ​Ensure compliance with enterprise security standards and Microsoft best practices.   

• ​Collaborate with infrastructure, security, networking, and application teams during solution design and implementation.   

• ​Create technical documentation, architecture diagrams, SOPs, and operational runbooks.   

• ​Support migration initiatives from Citrix, VMware Horizon, or on-prem VDI solutions to AVD.   

• ​Monitor environment health and performance using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Nerdio analytics.  

Education:   Requires BS degree and 12+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 10+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.​

​Require Qualifications:   

• ​Experience with Microsoft Azure infrastructure.   

• ​Hands-on experience designing and implementing Azure Virtual Desktop solutions.   

• ​Strong experience with Nerdio Manager for Enterprise (NME) administration and automation.   

• ​Expertise in:   

• ​Azure Networking (VNet, NSG, VPN, ExpressRoute)   

• ​FSLogix profile containers   

• ​Microsoft Intune and Endpoint Management   

• ​Azure Active Directory / Microsoft Entra ID   

• ​Azure Compute, Storage, and Identity services   

• ​Experience with PowerShell scripting and infrastructure automation.   

• ​Strong understanding of Windows Server and Windows 10/11 multi-session environments.   

• ​Experience with monitoring and troubleshooting AVD performance issues.   

• ​Knowledge of security best practices for cloud-hosted virtual desktop environments.  

• ​Preferred Qualifications:  

• ​Prior experience supporting DHS, USCG, or other federal cloud modernization efforts  

• ​Experience with Intune, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and Defender for Endpoint.  

• ​Knowledge of hybrid identity models and conditional access policies.  

• ​Strong documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.  

• ​Experience working with technical teams in cloud, cybersecurity, or enterprise IT environments​