Position Summary
The Systems Administrator – Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is responsible for administering, optimizing, and supporting enterprise systems and virtual desktop environments with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure and AVD. This role serves as a senior technical escalation point, owning complex system-level issues, ensuring platform stability, and partnering with Infrastructure, Security, and Service Desk teams to deliver a reliable, scalable end-user computing experience.
This position plays a critical role in maintaining operational excellence, ensuring adherence to SLAs, and enabling business continuity across hybrid, remote, and distributed environments. The Systems Administrator proactively improves system performance, security posture, and user experience through automation, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
System & AVD Administration
- Administer, monitor, and optimize Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments, including host pools, session hosts, application groups, FSLogix profiles, and user access.
- Manage Windows Server and Windows Client operating systems across on-prem and cloud-based environments.
- Perform patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management of systems and virtual infrastructure to ensure security and stability.
- Monitor system performance and capacity, proactively identifying and remediating issues before service impact occurs.
Advanced Troubleshooting & Escalation
- Diagnose and resolve complex system, application, and virtual desktop issues escalated from Tier I/Tier II support teams.
- Perform root-cause analysis for recurring incidents and participate in problem management initiatives.
- Escalate unresolved or critical issues to Level 3 engineering or vendors with detailed technical handoff and documentation.
Identity, Access & Endpoint Management
- Administer Active Directory, Azure AD / Microsoft Entra ID, Group Policy, and conditional access policies.
- Support endpoint and device management using enterprise tools (e.g., Intune, NinjaOne, SCCM).
- Ensure secure access for remote and hybrid users via VPNs and cloud-based access solutions.
Operational Excellence & Collaboration
- Manage and prioritize system-related incidents and requests within ITSM platforms, ensuring SLA/OLA compliance.
- Create and maintain technical documentation, system diagrams, runbooks, and knowledge base articles.
- Collaborate closely with Infrastructure, Security, and Service Desk teams to improve platform reliability and end-user experience.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior technicians and support staff.
Required Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in Systems Administration, Infrastructure Support, or Tier II/III enterprise IT roles.
- Strong hands-on experience with:
- Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) administration and troubleshooting
- Windows Server and Windows Client OS
- Active Directory, Azure AD / Microsoft Entra ID
- Microsoft 365 services (Exchange Online, OneDrive, Teams)
- Networking fundamentals (DNS, DHCP, VPNs, routing)
- ITSM and endpoint management tools (ServiceNow, NinjaOne, Intune)
- Proven ability to perform deep technical troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree in Information Technology or related field or equivalent hands-on experience.
- Industry certifications such as:
- CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
- Microsoft certifications (Azure Administrator, Modern Desktop Administrator)
- Experience with virtualization and cloud platforms:
- VMware, Hyper-V, Citrix
- Azure (preferred), AWS, or GCP
- Familiarity with automation and scripting (PowerShell preferred).
