Lead Microsoft Architect

The Judge Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking a Desktop Architect for a long term contract in Chicago. The role is hybrid, requiring three days on-site with the rest remote, and focuses on enterprise desktop and virtual desktop environments.

You will lead design, engineering and deployment efforts, drive automation with PowerShell/Python/Terraform, and mentor the team while partnering with IT and Security leaders to raise the end-user experience across the organization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of desktop engineering or end-user computing experience.
• Expertise in Windows desktop environments, desktop architecture, and application deployment.
• Experience with O365/Microsoft 365 administration and support.
• Strong scripting and automation skills (PowerShell, Python, Terraform, etc.).
• Knowledge of virtual desktop technologies, VMware AppStacks, and enterprise endpoint management.
• Microsoft and VMware certifications preferred (MCSE, Microsoft 365, VCP-DTM, WVD Specialty).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, engineering, and support of enterprise desktop and virtual desktop environments, driving a secure, scalable, and modern end-user experience.
• Manage complex technical projects, application packaging and deployment (VMware AppStacks and related technologies), OS lifecycle management, Office 365 administration, automation initiatives, and desktop architecture standards.
• Partner with Business, IT, and Security leaders to define requirements, implement innovative solutions, and improve technology adoption across the organization.
• Serve as the highest-level technical escalation point, mentor engineering team members, and champion continuous improvement through automation, DevOps practices, and emerging technologies.

Skills

Desktop engineering

End-user computing

Automation

DevOps practices

Tools

PowerShell

Python

Terraform

VMware AppStacks

Office 365

Job description

We are looking for a Desktop Architect for a long term contract that is hybrid 3 days per week in Chicago

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, engineering, and support of enterprise desktop and virtual desktop environments, driving a secure, scalable, and modern end-user experience.
• Manage complex technical projects, application packaging and deployment (VMware AppStacks and related technologies), OS lifecycle management, Office 365 administration, automation initiatives, and desktop architecture standards.
• Partner with Business, IT, and Security leaders to define requirements, implement innovative solutions, and improve technology adoption across the organization.
• Serve as the highest-level technical escalation point, mentor engineering team members, and champion continuous improvement through automation, DevOps practices, and emerging technologies.

Key Qualifications:

• 5+ years of desktop engineering or end-user computing experience
• Expertise in Windows desktop environments, desktop architecture, and application deployment
• Experience with O365/Microsoft 365 administration and support
• Strong scripting and automation skills (PowerShell, Python, Terraform, etc.)
• Knowledge of virtual desktop technologies, VMware AppStacks, and enterprise endpoint management
• Microsoft and VMware certifications preferred (MCSE, Microsoft 365, VCP-DTM, WVD Specialty)