Virtual Desktop Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Virtual Desktop Engineer to lead the design, implementation and optimisation of a Citrix Cloud-based virtual desktop platform within a large-scale enterprise environment.

The role will focus on delivering scalable, secure and resilient multisession Citrix environments, leveraging Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD), Machine Creation Services (MCS) and Microsoft App-V.

The successful candidate will take ownership of platform architecture, engineering and delivery, supporting infrastructure modernisation, cloud integration and the ongoing performance of critical virtual desktop services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design, implementation and optimisation of Citrix Cloud-based virtual desktop environments.
• Design and manage Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD), including multisession RDS-based architectures.
• Configure and maintain Citrix Cloud Connectors, StoreFront, Workspace and Gateway services.
• Implement and optimise Machine Creation Services (MCS), including gold image management, patching and provisioning.
• Manage Microsoft App-V application packaging, sequencing, deployment and compatibility across shared desktop environments.
• Configure and optimise user profiles using Ivanti AppSense, Citrix UPM, WEM and Group Policy.
• Integrate Citrix Cloud with Microsoft Azure, Active Directory, Entra ID and enterprise networking services.
• Develop high-level and low-level technical designs (HLD/LLD), capacity models and architecture documentation.
• Lead Citrix platform migrations, including transitions from on-premises infrastructure to Citrix Cloud.
• Design highly available and resilient environments, incorporating disaster recovery, cyber recovery and secure remote access.
• Troubleshoot complex Citrix performance issues, including logon delays, session reliability and image provisioning failures.
• Implement monitoring, automation and performance optimisation using Citrix Director, PowerShell and Azure monitoring tools.
• Collaborate with architecture, security, infrastructure and application teams to deliver platform improvements.
• Lead engineering workstreams, coordinate technical delivery and ensure compliance with enterprise security standards.

Required Skills & Experience

• Extensive hands-on experience with Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD) and Citrix Cloud.
• Expertise in designing and supporting multisession (RDS-based) virtual desktop environments.
• Advanced knowledge of Machine Creation Services (MCS), gold image management and non-persistent desktop provisioning.
• Practical experience with Microsoft App-V, including application sequencing, deployment and life cycle management.
• Experience with Ivanti AppSense, Citrix UPM, WEM and user profile optimisation.
• Knowledge of Citrix Cloud Connectors, StoreFront, Workspace, Gateway and HDX protocol optimisation.
• Experience integrating Citrix environments with Microsoft Azure, Active Directory and Entra ID.
• Understanding of enterprise networking, identity management, Zero Trust security and Conditional Access.
• Experience designing high-availability, disaster recovery and scalable VDI solutions.
• Ability to produce technical architecture documentation, including HLDs, LLDs and capacity planning.
• Experience delivering complex Citrix implementations, migrations and infrastructure modernisation projects.
• PowerShell Scripting experience for Citrix and Azure administration and automation.
• Knowledge of build, testing and release processes across development, UAT and production environments.
• Experience troubleshooting enterprise-scale Citrix platforms and optimising performance, capacity and operational costs.
• Ability to lead technical delivery and collaborate with stakeholders across infrastructure, security and architecture teams.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365.
• Knowledge of Citrix Provisioning Services (PVS).
• Experience with NetScaler/Citrix ADC advanced configuration.
• Familiarity with FSLogix App Masking and MSIX app attach.
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and automated infrastructure deployments.
• Knowledge of Azure Monitor and Log Analytics.
• Understanding of modern End User Computing (EUC) technologies and SaaS-based application delivery.
• Previous experience working within financial services, investment banking or trading environments.
• Experience delivering solutions within highly regulated enterprise environments.