Principal Desktop Engineer

Job Description

Principal Desktop Engineer

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Location: Chicago

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Job Type: Contract

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Salary: $100-140ph

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Working Pattern: Hybrid

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We are looking for an experienced Principal Desktop Engineer to join our End User Computing team and play a key role in designing, engineering and supporting a modern enterprise desktop environment.

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You will act as a senior technical authority, leading complex engineering initiatives, resolving high-level escalations and driving innovation across the end-user technology landscape. You will work closely with Business, IT and Security leaders to develop solutions that are secure, reliable, scalable and deliver an excellent user experience.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Design, develop and implement engineering solutions for the enterprise desktop environment.
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• Lead technical projects from conception through to successful delivery.
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• Design and package applications for enterprise deployment using VMware AppStacks and similar technologies.
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• Develop technical specifications, architectural designs, standards, best practices and design patterns.
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• Maintain and oversee Windows operating system base builds , including feature updates, software updates and vulnerability remediation.
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• Preserve and manage end-user profile settings within virtual desktop environments.
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• Troubleshoot complex application installation, compatibility, performance and runtime issues.
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• Support and troubleshoot Microsoft 365 / Office 365 and desktop/mobile applications.
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• Resolve complex systems integration and multi-platform compatibility issues.
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• Automate end-user technology processes using scripting and modern engineering practices.
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• Research emerging technologies and recommend strategic adoption where appropriate.
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• Act as a senior technical escalation point for complex desktop and end-user computing issues.
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• Work with Business, IT and Security stakeholders to gather requirements and communicate technical changes.
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• Identify risks proactively and develop practical, solution-focused improvements.
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• Challenge existing approaches and drive innovation across the end-user experience.
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• Provide tactical and strategic input into the overall End User Computing strategy.
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• Lead projects of varying size and complexity while managing competing priorities.
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• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to members of the Desktop Engineering team.
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• Document technical designs, changes, policies, procedures and environment diagrams.
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Essential Skills & Experience

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Technical

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• 8+ years' experience in desktop engineering, end-user computing or a closely related role.
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• 8+ years' experience with enterprise desktop management solutions.
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• 8+ years' experience supporting Microsoft 365 / Office 365 environments.
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• Strong experience supporting Windows desktop operating systems .
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• Proven experience deploying applications across enterprise desktop environments using modern deployment technologies.
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• Strong desktop application troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
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• Experience with scripting or automation technologies such as PowerShell, Python or Terraform .
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• Demonstrable expertise in desktop engineering architecture and solution design.
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• Experience working within a DevOps culture and applying modern engineering practices.
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• Understanding of risk and controls within technical processes.
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• Experience addressing systems integration, compatibility and multi-platform challenges.
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We're looking for someone who combines strong hands-on desktop engineering expertise with the ability to lead projects, influence stakeholders and mentor others. You will be comfortable working at both a strategic and technical level, taking ownership of complex problems and turning them into secure, scalable and innovative solutions.

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If you are passionate about end-user technology, automation and improving the digital workplace , we'd like to hear from you.

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