Desktop And Enterprise Application Architect

As a member of the Enterprise Technology Services Team, the Desktop and Enterprise Application Architect is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of enterprise-level desktop and application solutions, as well as the setup, maintenance, and administration of enterprise Windows infrastructure and systems.

The Desktop and Enterprise Application Architect has a passion for creating an exceptional end-user experience and will effectively partner with multi-faceted stakeholder groups to solve problems and deliver creative, cost-effective solutions and services prioritizing end-user productivity, balancing security requirements, and supporting a world-class experience for Empyrean clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, implement and support complex device and enterprise application architectures and roadmaps, including distributed systems, client-server, and web-based applications

• Develop and maintain architecture standards, policies, and procedures for devices and enterprise application solutions

• Manage, maintain, and evolve enterprise client management systems, including assets, collections, endpoint software maintenance and monitoring, administrative tasks, and patches/security

• Manage large-scale device deployment for the enterprise

• Engineer, test, deploy and manage client images and provisioning for MacOS and Windows devices

• Contribute to the direction, engineering, and support for VDI solutions

• Create, manage, update, and deploy software packages, patches, and updates to Windows physical and virtual endpoints

• Create support documentation including design, build and operation guides

• Develop, analyze and maintain tools that support and automate processes for hardware or software product release (ex. installation and login scripts using PowerShell and VBScript)

• Maintain computer and user groups in Active Directory as they apply to application delivery

• Manage features, settings, and configurations of Windows, Microsoft Office, and enterprise applications using Group Policy

• Maintain and troubleshoot Group Policy as it applies to application delivery and device management

• Ensure proper encryption of company-owned computers

• Develop and maintain asset reports for all company owned devices

• Keep all versions of Windows within Microsoft's current lifecycle strategy

• Implement merger and acquisition activities related to computing devices and enterprise applications

• Monitor systems and identify performance issues proactively

• Troubleshoot application and desktop-related issues in coordination with other members of IT and end-users

• Serve as escalation point for technical support teams

• Ensure enterprise changes are tracked and controlled

• Work with vendors, service providers and internal teams to evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that align with business objectives and technical requirements

• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of computer and enterprise application architecture, including Windows and Mac operating systems, virtualization, web-based applications, and cloud computing

• Knowledge of Windows client environments, including both hardware and software (operating system features, troubleshooting, settings, installation, etc.)

• Cloud Active Directory and Group Policy management skills

• Knowledge of integrated components, including Windows Server 2016/2019' Active Directory, Domain Services, Group Policy, Active Directory Certificate Services, DNS, DHCP, Permissions, and authentication and authorization

• Knowledge of Azure Virtual Desktop Licensing, FSLogix, and Windows Virtual Desktop host pools

• Knowlege in Microsoft 365 architecture, configuration, implementation, migration and support (Teams, OneDrive, Exchange, SharePoint, Outlook, Power BI, etc.)

• Proficient with enterprise-level desktop and application management tools (ex. Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM), Endpoint Manager (Intune), PDQ, etc.) and modern management concepts

• Proficient in one or more modern, general purpose scripting languages (ex: PowerShell, Python, Bash)

• Knowledge of collaboration solutions, video, and event technology

• Voice and unified communications skills

• Firm understanding of remote support technology

• Understanding of network protocols/services and network infrastructure

• Ability to manage projects and tasks independently, provide transparency on activities conducted, and have a bigger picture focus on entire teams' mission

• Ability to manage vendor relationships, software licenses, and asset lifecycles for managed systems

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with business stakeholders, IT teams, and vendors

• Strong problem-solving skills, takes initiative and uses good judgment, excellent follow-up skills

• Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs

• A strong sense of urgency and focus on SLAs

• Outstanding customer service, emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills

• Proven ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships and interact professionally with a diverse group of Executives, Managers, customers, and Subject Matter Experts

• Located in the Houston area

• Ability to be on-site at the corporate headquarters at least four days per week

• Ability to travel up to 10%

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION

• Bachelors or Associates degree preferably in Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field AND 3 years of experience in 3 or more of the following related fields: IT Service Desk, Desktop Support/Engineering, Desktop and Enterprise Application Architecture, Application Support, Access Administration, Mobile Device Management, IT Operations….

OR….

5+ years experience in four or more of the aforementioned fields with at least 2 of those years in a Desktop and Enterprise Applications Architecture or similar role

• Outstanding technical skills obtained over 5+ years working with and managing end-user related technologies, including but not limited to: PCs, laptops, mobile devices/MDM, Microsoft Windows OS, MacOS, Ubuntu Linux, Chrome, Firefox, patch management and remote management solutions, multi-channel communications, MFA, DLP, endpoint security, password administration tools, encryption technologies, email security, Active Directory, Group Policy, VDI, VPN, softphone, VOIP and SIP video conferencing technologies, etc.

• 2+ years experience in Microsoft 365 architecture, configuration, implementation, migration and support (Teams, OneDrive, Exchange, SharePoint, Outlook, Power BI, etc.)

• 4+ years demonstrated experience in delivering and supporting technology solutions for endpoints covering the full end-to-end lifecycle

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing enterprise-level desktop and application solutions

• Experience working with Windows-based performance monitoring tools

• 2+ years of experience configuring, deploying, and managing Virtual Desktop environments

• Previous experience working with ServiceNow preferred

• Experience with Google Workspace a plus

• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace migrations a plus

• Exposure to JIRA and Confluence a plus

• Experience in the SaaS, employee benefits and/or healthcare space is preferred

Disclaimer: Managers have the right to assign or redesign the responsibilities of the above mentioned job description without notice and at any time

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Empyrean is an Equal Opportunity Employer: including disability and veterans