Azure Virtual Desktop - DevOps Engineer

Avance Consulting; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Azure Virtual Desktop DevOps Engineer to join their innovative Virtual Devices Team. This role involves operating and developing the Azure Virtual Desktop environment, supporting a diverse user base across the globe. You will leverage Infrastructure as Code using Terraform and manage CI/CD pipelines to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Azure architecture and a passion for cross-skilling team members. Join this dynamic team and contribute to enhancing user experiences while working in a collaborative environment that promotes growth and innovation.

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of Azure AVD architecture and design best practices.
• Proficiency in managing Azure Virtual Desktop environments and user access.

Responsibilities

• Run, operate, and develop the AVD Environment for over 5000 users.
• Maintain Windows Environment and manage policies/configuration for AVD.

Skills

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

Terraform

PowerShell

Azure CLI

CI/CD Pipelines

Group Policy Management

FSLogix

Cloud Computing Fundamentals

Agile Frameworks (SCRUM)

JIRA

Service Now

Tools

Azure Portal

GitHub

ARM Templates

Job description

You will work as an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) - DevOps Engineer for the Virtual Devices Team following Scaled Agile Framework.

You will be involved in running, operating, and developing the AVD Environment which supports over 5000 users from various geographies around the world.

The AVD environment consists of Single and Multisession AVDs which is managed from Azure Portal and Infrastructure as Code with DevOps CI/CD pipelines using Terraform, Azure CLI, ARM Templates, and PowerShell Scripts.

You will also need to support and maintain the Windows environment and related infra (Group Policies, OU, Application Configuration, patching etc.) which is provided in AVD.

You are also expected to participate in knowledge transfer, documentation, and cross-skilling the Team comprising of Junior SMEs.

You will need SC clearance for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Running, operating, and developing the AVD Environment.
2. Maintain and manage Windows Environment hosted in AVD.
3. Maintain and manage policies/configuration which supports AVD.
4. Maintain and manage applications hosted in AVD.
5. Develop and execute Infrastructure as Code pipelines using Terraform and PowerShell.
6. Maintaining and managing CI/CD Pipelines via GitHub Repos.
7. Develop competency in the team and cross-skill junior SMEs.

Key Skills/Knowledge:

1. In-depth understanding of the Azure and AVD architecture including good understanding of AVD design best practices and Migration best practices.
2. High proficiency in Management, Configuration and Deployment best practices of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
3. Highly proficient in configuring and managing Resource Pool, Host Groups, Images, Apps, and User Access.
4. Highly proficient in configuring user customization through FSLogix.
5. Good understanding of Virtual Desktop and Application strategies and best practices.
6. Proficient in Windows Operating System principles, Group Policy Management, PowerShell, and Application Troubleshooting.
7. Sound knowledge of Cloud Computing Fundamentals and Azure.
8. Hands-on experience of Azure DevOps, CI/CD Pipelines, Managing GitHub Repos, ARM Templates, Azure CLI, Terraform, and PowerShell.
9. Understanding of Agile frameworks like SCRUM.
10. Good communication skills, interpersonal skills, and customer responsiveness.
11. Working knowledge of tools like JIRA and Service Now.

Experience Required:

Must Have:

1. UK SC Cleared.
2. Availability to start role in the next two months.
3. Willingness to provide On-Call Support (to be split equally between the target team of 3 engineers).
4. Experience of working in a dedicated Virtual Desktop Support Team providing direct support to user base.
5. In-depth understanding of the Azure Virtual Desktop AVD architecture and design best practices.
6. Proficiency in day-to-day administration of Azure Virtual Desktop environments including management of Resource Groups, Host Pools, Virtual Machine Images, Application Access & User Access.
7. Experience in administration of AVD Multi-User environments including user customization via FSLogix & NetApp storage (or equivalent).
8. Ability to work remotely with occasional, ad-hoc travel to Gloucester Business Park.

Nice To Have:

1. Sound knowledge of Cloud Computing fundamentals specifically Azure.
2. Experience of managing Terraform based Infrastructure as Code pipelines.