Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Architect

Job Title: Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Architect

Location: Houston, TX (On-site – 5 days/week)

Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff — No C2C or 1099)

About the Opportunity:

ZipStaff is seeking a senior Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Architect to lead the design, implementation, optimization, and escalation support of enterprise virtual desktop and application delivery platforms for a major technology services client.

This role is critical to the modernization of end-user computing services, including Azure Virtual Desktop deployments, Windows 365 solutions, Citrix replacement initiatives, Intune policy management, application packaging, and support for critical business applications.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, implement, and maintain Azure Virtual Desktop environments across development, test, pre-production, production, high-availability, and disaster recovery environments.
• Develop enterprise architecture, solution designs, deployment standards, and operational support documentation.
• Design scalable, secure, and resilient virtual desktop and published application environments.
• Lead production readiness reviews, DR planning, and DR testing activities.
• Optimize AVD host pools, scaling plans, FSLogix profiles, image management, and performance monitoring.
• Create infrastructure standards and reference architectures for enterprise AVD deployments.
• Troubleshoot complex AVD infrastructure, performance, authentication, connectivity, and user experience issues.
• Support Windows 365 solutions, Citrix replacement initiatives, Intune policy management, and application packaging.
• Provide escalation support and technical leadership for critical business applications delivered through virtual desktop platforms.
  

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of overall IT infrastructure / end-user computing experience.
• 4+ years of hands-on architecture and implementation experience with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
• Strong experience designing and optimizing AVD host pools, scaling plans, FSLogix, image management, and performance monitoring.
• Proven experience developing enterprise architecture, solution designs, and operational documentation for virtual desktop platforms.
• Experience leading production readiness, high availability, and disaster recovery planning/testing for VDI environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across AVD infrastructure, authentication, connectivity, and user experience issues.
• Experience with Windows 365, Intune, and application packaging in enterprise environments.
• Ability to work 5 days on-site in Houston, TX.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Citrix to AVD / Windows 365 migration or replacement initiatives.
• Strong background in enterprise end-user computing modernization programs.
• Relevant Microsoft Azure or Windows Virtual Desktop certifications.

About ZipStaff

ZipStaff partners with leading organizations to connect skilled technology professionals with high-impact contract opportunities. We focus on quality matches and long-term success.

To apply, please submit your resume highlighting your Azure Virtual Desktop architecture experience and enterprise VDI leadership background.