Desktop Architect

Looking for a Desktop Architect for a Contract position based in Sandton.

The Desktop Architect is a highly skilled and experienced professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the desktop computing environment within an organization. This role involves developing comprehensive strategies for desktop infrastructure, evaluating new technologies, and ensuring optimal performance and security of desktop systems. The Desktop Architect collaborates with various teams, including IT, network, security, and end-users, to create a seamless and efficient desktop computing environment that meets the organization's business needs. The Desktop Architect will also serve as a tier 3 support for Workspace and field services after all solutions have been exercised without success.

Experience required :

• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in desktop infrastructure design, implementation, and support.
• Prior experience as a Desktop Engineer, Systems Engineer, End-User Computing Specialist, or IT Architect before transitioning to an architect-level role.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise-scale desktop deployments, virtualization, and endpoint management.
• Experience working in a large corporate IT environment or Managed Services Provider (MSP) is beneficial.

Qualification / Certifications :

• Microsoft Certifications :
• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) (for cloud-based desktop environments)
• Security & Compliance :
• CompTIA Security+

Technical Skills required :

• Desktop Architecture & Design : Expertise in designing and implementing enterprise desktop solutions, including hardware and software configurations.
• Operating Systems : Proficiency in Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop environments, including deployment and management.
• Virtualization Technologies : Experience with VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) solutions such as VMware Horizon, Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops, and Microsoft AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop).
• Endpoint Management : Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune & SCCM), Ivanti, Jamf (for macOS), and other MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions.
• Cloud & Hybrid Environments : Knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure AD, AWS Workspaces, and Google Workspace.
• Security & Compliance : Familiarity with endpoint security tools, encryption, identity and access management (IAM), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, etc.).
• Networking & System Integration : Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, and integration with on-premise and cloud services.
• Software Deployment & Patch Management : Experience with automated software deployment, patching, and scripting using PowerShell, Bash, or Python.

Key Responsibilities :

• Desktop Infrastructure Design
• System Integration
• Security and Compliance
• Software Deployment and Management
• Performance Optimization
• End-user Support
• Documentation and Training
• Project Management
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity