About the roleAs a Senior Azure Virtual Desktop Engineer, you will make an impact by designing, deploying, automating, and optimizing Azure Virtual Desktop environments that support both pooled multi-user and personal dedicated desktop experiences. You will lead the end-to-end lifecycle of the AVD platform, replacing legacy jump-server access while ensuring scalability, security, automation, and cost efficiency across the Azure estate. You will be a valued member of the Cloud Infrastructure team, working closely with endpoint management, networking, security, and application teams to deliver a modern virtual desktop experience.
In this role, you will- Design, build, and deploy Azure Virtual Desktop environments from resource sizing and architecture through production implementation.
- Define AVD resource specifications, including VM SKUs, session host sizing, image selection, capacity planning, naming conventions, and tagging standards.
- Configure and maintain Azure infrastructure components including Resource Groups, VNets, Subnets, Host Pools, Workspaces, Application Groups, and Session Hosts.
- Design and manage pooled (multi-user) and personal (dedicated) desktop environments, aligning deployment models with business and technical requirements.
- Administer user assignments, application group access, and host pool allocations to ensure an optimal end-user experience.
- Monitor and optimize AVD consumption costs through rightsizing, scaling strategies, deallocation schedules, and monthly cost reviews.
- Develop automation solutions for provisioning, image management, autoscaling, patching, and decommissioning using PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Infrastructure-as-Code.
- Collaborate with identity, networking, security, and endpoint management teams to ensure seamless integration with enterprise platforms.
- Maintain technical documentation, architecture diagrams, operational procedures, and support runbooks.
Work ModelWe strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in Atlanta, GA. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.
What you need to have to be considered- 5+ years of hands-on experience designing, deploying, and supporting Azure Virtual Desktop environments.
- Strong expertise in Azure Virtual Desktop architecture, including Host Pools, Workspaces, Application Groups, Session Hosts, and user assignment models.
- Strong understanding of Azure infrastructure services, including Resource Groups, VNets, Subnets, NSGs, and network security principles.
- Experience optimizing AVD environments for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
- Hands-on experience with PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure Automation, and Infrastructure-as-Code tools such as Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
- Experience managing the full virtual desktop lifecycle, including provisioning, image management, autoscaling, patching, and decommissioning.
These will help you stand out- Experience with Microsoft Entra ID, including device identity, Conditional Access, SSO, and MFA integration for AVD.
- Experience managing AVD session hosts through Microsoft Intune, including Company Portal deployments and Windows Update management.
- Knowledge of FSLogix profile containers for multi-user environments.
- Experience building and maintaining Azure Compute Gallery golden images and image versioning strategies.
- Familiarity with Microsoft 365 Apps optimization for Azure Virtual Desktop environments.
- Experience with BitLocker, Azure Bastion, BeyondTrust, and secure administrative access solutions.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140) and/or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104).
We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out.
Salary and Other Compensation: Applications will be accepted until September 23, 2026.
The annual salary for this position is between $79,000 - $90,000 USD depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.
