Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Engineer

Sharp Brains; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharp Brains is seeking an Azure Virtual Desktop specialist to design and manage scalable AVD environments. The role requires hands-on deployment of session hosts, host pools, and application groups, with strong skills in AD, FSLogix, PowerShell, Intune, and Azure Monitor.

You will ensure secure access, backup, and disaster recovery while coordinating with networking and security teams. Applicants should demonstrate 3+ years in Azure, virtualization tech like Hyper-V/VMware, and a track record

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with Microsoft Azure.
• Hands-on experience deploying and managing Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
• Windows Server 2019/2022.
• Active Directory & Group Policy.
• FSLogix.
• PowerShell scripting.
• Intune & Endpoint Manager.
• Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Azure Backup.
• Hyper-V or VMware virtualization.
• Microsoft 365 administration is an advantage.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert preferred.
• Nice to have: Terraform, Bicep, Azure DevOps, Citrix, VMware Horizon, Defender for Cloud.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, and manage Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments.
• Install and maintain session hosts, host pools, application groups, and workspaces.
• Configure Azure networking, virtual machines, storage accounts, and load balancing.
• Integrate AVD with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) and Active Directory Domain Services.
• Manage FSLogix profiles and Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files.
• Monitor AVD performance and troubleshoot user connectivity issues.
• Perform Windows image creation, customization, and lifecycle management.
• Configure security policies, Conditional Access, and Microsoft Defender.
• Implement backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions.
• Apply Windows and Azure updates while minimizing service disruptions.
• Collaborate with networking, security, and infrastructure teams.
• Create technical documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Provide Level 2/Level 3 support for Azure Virtual Desktop incidents.

Skills

Azure

AVD

Windows Server 2019/2022

Active Directory

Group Policy

FSLogix

PowerShell

Intune

Endpoint Manager

Azure Monitor

Log Analytics

Azure Backup

Hyper-V

VMware

Microsoft 365

Tools

Terraform

Bicep

Azure DevOps

Citrix

VMware Horizon

Job description

• Deploy, configure, and manage Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments.
• Install and maintain session hosts, host pools, application groups, and workspaces.
• Configure Azure networking, virtual machines, storage accounts, and load balancing.
• Integrate AVD with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) and Active Directory Domain Services.
• Manage FSLogix profiles and Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files.
• Monitor AVD performance and troubleshoot user connectivity issues.
• Perform Windows image creation, customization, and lifecycle management.
• Configure security policies, Conditional Access, and Microsoft Defender.
• Implement backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions.
• Apply Windows and Azure updates while minimizing service disruptions.
• Collaborate with networking, security, and infrastructure teams.
• Create technical documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Provide Level 2/Level 3 support for Azure Virtual Desktop incidents.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 3+ years of experience with Microsoft Azure.
• Hands-on experience deploying and managing Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
• Strong knowledge of:
• Windows Server (2019/2022)
• Active Directory & Group Policy
• FSLogix
• PowerShell scripting
• Experience with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
• Knowledge of Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Azure Backup.
• Understanding of virtualization technologies such as Hyper-V or VMware.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 administration is an advantage.

Preferred Certifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (Preferred)

Soft Skills:

• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Experience supporting enterprise users in production environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Bicep).
• Azure Automation and Azure DevOps knowledge.
• Experience with Citrix or VMware Horizon migrations.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel.
• Experience with enterprise migrations to Azure Virtual Desktop.