Senior Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Engineer

Senior Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Engineer / Azure Infrastructure Consultant

Preston / North West - Hybrid (up to 3 days per week in office)
£400-£4500 per day Inside IR35
Initial 6-month contract ASAP start

We're looking for a Senior Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Engineer to join a large-scale technology integration programme following a major acquisition.

This is a senior, hands-on role where you'll act as the AVD SME, working across Azure infrastructure, identity, security and modern end-user computing to deliver integration and migration outcomes.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, build, configure and support Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments.

• Manage Host Pools, Application Groups, Workspaces, Session Hosts and Scaling Plans.

• Design and implement Azure infrastructure aligned to approved architecture.

• Create and optimise golden images and automate image build/deployment processes.

• Work with FSLogix Profiles and App Masking.

• Support application packaging, virtualisation and deployment.

• Configure and administer Microsoft Entra ID, PIM and Identity Governance.

• Implement Zero Trust security principles and RBAC.

• Develop PowerShell automation and support IaC initiatives.

• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and perform root cause analysis.

Essential experience:

• Strong hands-on Azure Virtual Desktop experience.

• Deep knowledge of Microsoft Azure infrastructure.

• FSLogix Profiles & App Masking.

• Microsoft Entra ID, PIM and Identity Governance.

• Strong PowerShell skills.

• Azure Networking and Azure Security.

• Windows Server and Windows 11 Enterprise.

• Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving skills.

Desirable:

• Zscaler / Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) and ZTNA.

• MSIX, App-V or similar application packaging technologies.

• Azure Image Builder.

• Azure DevOps and CI/CD.

• Terraform, Bicep or ARM Templates.

• Microsoft Intune / Endpoint Manager.

• Experience delivering M&A integration programmes.

• Utilities, energy or critical national infrastructure experience.