The Desktop Solutions Architect serves as the enterprise authority and visionary for the Windows based device architecture, strategy, innovation, and user experience. They are responsible for leading ...
The Desktop Solutions Architect serves as the enterprise authority and visionary for the Windows based device architecture, strategy, innovation, and user experience. They are responsible for leading ...
Principle Desktop Engineering Architect
$139K - $232K/yr
Define architecture, standards, configuration baselines, and engineering patterns for enterprise desktop environments * Evaluate and introduce new technologies that improve endpoint security ...
Principle Desktop Engineering Architect
$139K - $232K/yr
Define architecture, standards, configuration baselines, and engineering patterns for enterprise desktop environments * Evaluate and introduce new technologies that improve endpoint security ...
Desktop Solutions Architect
Richmond, VA · On-site
The Desktop Solutions Architect serves as the enterprise authority and visionary for the Windows based device architecture, strategy, innovation, and user experience. They are responsible for leading ...
Desktop Solutions Architect
Richmond, VA · On-site
The Desktop Solutions Architect serves as the enterprise authority and visionary for the Windows based device architecture, strategy, innovation, and user experience. They are responsible for leading ...
Principle Desktop Engineering Architect
Buffalo, NY · On-site
$139K - $232K/yr
A Principle Desktop Engineering Architect is a senior-level technical expert and leader responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing complex endpoint engineering solutions across both ...
Principle Desktop Engineering Architect
Buffalo, NY · On-site
$139K - $232K/yr
A Principle Desktop Engineering Architect is a senior-level technical expert and leader responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing complex endpoint engineering solutions across both ...
UNC Health is seeking a Citrix / Azure Virtual Desktop Architect to lead the strategy, architecture, support and modernization of their enterprise virtual desktop and application delivery platforms.
UNC Health is seeking a Citrix / Azure Virtual Desktop Architect to lead the strategy, architecture, support and modernization of their enterprise virtual desktop and application delivery platforms.
Citrix / Azure Virtual Desktop Architect
Morrisville, NC · On-site +1
$47.90 - $68.86/hr
UNC Health is seeking a Citrix / Azure Virtual Desktop Architect to lead the strategy, architecture, support and modernization of our enterprise virtual desktop and application delivery platforms in ...
Citrix / Azure Virtual Desktop Architect
Morrisville, NC · On-site +1
$47.90 - $68.86/hr
UNC Health is seeking a Citrix / Azure Virtual Desktop Architect to lead the strategy, architecture, support and modernization of our enterprise virtual desktop and application delivery platforms in ...
Systems Architect I (Desktop Architecture)
Webster, MA · On-site
$125K - $170K/yr
... architecture aligned with Mapfre's enterprise technology strategy for the North American region ... This role designs, implements, and evolves end-user computing platforms, including desktop, laptop ...
Systems Architect I (Desktop Architecture)
Webster, MA · On-site
$125K - $170K/yr
... architecture aligned with Mapfre's enterprise technology strategy for the North American region ... This role designs, implements, and evolves end-user computing platforms, including desktop, laptop ...
Onsite in Raleigh, NC We are seeking an experienced Power Automate Desktop Solution Architect to lead the design, development, and implementation of enterprise-scale automation solutions using ...
Onsite in Raleigh, NC We are seeking an experienced Power Automate Desktop Solution Architect to lead the design, development, and implementation of enterprise-scale automation solutions using ...
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Citrix, VMware Horizon, Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) * Sizing ... The EUC Architect is responsible for delivering best-in-class End User Computing services that ...
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Citrix, VMware Horizon, Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) * Sizing ... The EUC Architect is responsible for delivering best-in-class End User Computing services that ...
Technology Architect | Access Management | Desktop/Federated/Web based SSO, Kerberos, SAML
Iselin, NJ · On-site
Technology Architect | Access Management | Desktop/Federated/Web based SSO, Kerberos, SAML (3 Opening ) Work Location : IselinNJ8830 Vendor Rate*XXX/hr Contract duration (in months)* 12 Job Details:
New
Technology Architect | Access Management | Desktop/Federated/Web based SSO, Kerberos, SAML
Iselin, NJ · On-site
Technology Architect | Access Management | Desktop/Federated/Web based SSO, Kerberos, SAML (3 Opening ) Work Location : IselinNJ8830 Vendor Rate*XXX/hr Contract duration (in months)* 12 Job Details:
New
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Azure Virtual Desktop Architect to lead the design, implementation, optimization, and escalation support of enterprise virtual desktop and application ...
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Azure Virtual Desktop Architect to lead the design, implementation, optimization, and escalation support of enterprise virtual desktop and application ...
Senior AVD Architect
Houston, TX · On-site
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Azure Virtual Desktop Architect to lead the design, implementation, optimization, and escalation support of enterprise virtual desktop and application ...
Quick apply
Senior AVD Architect
Houston, TX · On-site
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Azure Virtual Desktop Architect to lead the design, implementation, optimization, and escalation support of enterprise virtual desktop and application ...
Systems Architect I (Desktop Architecture)
Webster, MA · On-site
$251K/yr
Mapfre is a global insurance leader with a strong local presence, and they are seeking a Systems Architect I to define and maintain desktop architecture aligned with their enterprise technology ...
Systems Architect I (Desktop Architecture)
Webster, MA · On-site
$251K/yr
Mapfre is a global insurance leader with a strong local presence, and they are seeking a Systems Architect I to define and maintain desktop architecture aligned with their enterprise technology ...
Mandatory skills Very Deep understanding of SCCM concepts and architecture and ability to solve complex issues. Strong troubleshooting skills. Provide L3 support and troubleshooting for SCCM ...
Mandatory skills Very Deep understanding of SCCM concepts and architecture and ability to solve complex issues. Strong troubleshooting skills. Provide L3 support and troubleshooting for SCCM ...
MSTR Desktop Architect, Attributes, Facts, Hierarchy, Transformation, Logical table partition (Schema Objects) * Having experience on Creation of Custom Groups, Attributes, Consolidations, Facts ...
MSTR Desktop Architect, Attributes, Facts, Hierarchy, Transformation, Logical table partition (Schema Objects) * Having experience on Creation of Custom Groups, Attributes, Consolidations, Facts ...
Technology Architect | Access Management | Desktop/Federated/Web based SSO, Kerberos, SAML
Charlotte, NC · On-site
Work Location : CharlotteNC28262 Vendor Rate* XXX/hr Contract duration (in months)* 12 Job Details: Must Have Skills (Top 3 technical skills only) * 1. Program manager 2. Transaction monitoring and ...
Technology Architect | Access Management | Desktop/Federated/Web based SSO, Kerberos, SAML
Charlotte, NC · On-site
Work Location : CharlotteNC28262 Vendor Rate* XXX/hr Contract duration (in months)* 12 Job Details: Must Have Skills (Top 3 technical skills only) * 1. Program manager 2. Transaction monitoring and ...
Technology Architect | Access Management | Desktop/Federated/Web based SSO, Kerberos, SAML
Iselin, NJ · On-site
Work Location : IselinNJ8830 Vendor Rate*89.10 Contract duration (in months)* 12 Job Details: Must Have Skills (Top 3 technical skills only) * 1. Program manager 2. Transaction monitoring and KYC 3. ...
New
Technology Architect | Access Management | Desktop/Federated/Web based SSO, Kerberos, SAML
Iselin, NJ · On-site
Work Location : IselinNJ8830 Vendor Rate*89.10 Contract duration (in months)* 12 Job Details: Must Have Skills (Top 3 technical skills only) * 1. Program manager 2. Transaction monitoring and KYC 3. ...
New
Senior Desktop Support Engineer
Madison, WI · On-site
$66K - $83K/yr
Advanced knowledge of Windows operating systems, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Group Policy, endpoint security, and enterprise desktop architecture * Experience with PowerShell scripting and ...
Senior Desktop Support Engineer
Madison, WI · On-site
$66K - $83K/yr
Advanced knowledge of Windows operating systems, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Group Policy, endpoint security, and enterprise desktop architecture * Experience with PowerShell scripting and ...
Senior Desktop Support Engineer
$66K - $83K/yr
Advanced knowledge of Windows operating systems, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Group Policy, endpoint security, and enterprise desktop architecture * Experience with PowerShell scripting and ...
Senior Desktop Support Engineer
$66K - $83K/yr
Advanced knowledge of Windows operating systems, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Group Policy, endpoint security, and enterprise desktop architecture * Experience with PowerShell scripting and ...
Senior Desktop Support Engineer
$66K - $83K/yr
Advanced knowledge of Windows operating systems, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Group Policy, endpoint security, and enterprise desktop architecture * Experience with PowerShell scripting and ...
Senior Desktop Support Engineer
$66K - $83K/yr
Advanced knowledge of Windows operating systems, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Group Policy, endpoint security, and enterprise desktop architecture * Experience with PowerShell scripting and ...
Desktop Architect information
See salary details
$67.55 - $69.34
3% of jobs
$69.34 - $71.13
4% of jobs
$71.13 - $72.92
4% of jobs
$72.92 - $74.72
5% of jobs
$74.72 - $76.51
6% of jobs
$76.78 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$76.51 - $78.30
11% of jobs
$78.30 - $80.09
14% of jobs
The median wage is $80.42 / hr.
$80.09 - $81.88
12% of jobs
$81.88 - $83.68
11% of jobs
$84.41 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$83.68 - $85.47
12% of jobs
$85.47 - $87.26
18% of jobs
$67
$79
$87
How much do desktop architect jobs pay per hour?
What are some common challenges faced by Desktop Architects and how can they be addressed?
What is the difference between Desktop Architect vs Desktop Support Specialist?
| Aspect | Desktop Architect | Desktop Support Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires a bachelor's degree in IT or related field, certifications like Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate | Often requires a high school diploma or associate degree, certifications like CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate |
| Work Environment | Designs and plans enterprise desktop solutions, works on architecture and deployment strategies | Provides technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for end-user desktops |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used by large organizations, IT consulting firms, and enterprise environments | Common in corporate IT support teams, help desks, and small to medium businesses |
The Desktop Architect focuses on designing and planning desktop infrastructure, ensuring scalability and security, while the Desktop Support Specialist handles day-to-day troubleshooting and user support. Both roles are essential in IT but serve different functions within the desktop management ecosystem.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Desktop Architect, and why are they important?
What Does a Desktop Architect Do?
A desktop architect, also called a systems architect, is responsible for providing technical expertise to the users of a company’s computer desktops or workstations. Your job duties include establishing technical standards for computer workstations, working with management of the company to enforce these architectural standards, and identifying areas for improvement. The qualifications for a career as a desktop architect include a bachelor’s degree, although some employers prefer a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. A successful desktop architect needs strong technical and interpersonal skills.
What is a Desktop Architect?

VCU Health rating
7.3
Based on 170 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
304th of 890 rated healthcare providers
Job description
Essential Job Statements
Serve as the Champion of the End-User Windows Desktop experience and lead continuous improvement of Windows-based experiences in the organization
Be the Enterprise expert in Endpoint Management (Microsoft MECM and Intune) and drive best practices for the organization
Provide senior level expertise on hybrid Active Directory design and implementation
Develop and maintain best in class standards for device images and deployments, both on-prem and remote
Drive maximum utilization of existing Microsoft solutions like Entra ID for SSO/MFA, Conditional Access, and related Identity Management applications
Lead the evaluation and strategic adoption of emerging Microsoft Desktop-related technologies, integrations, and vendor solutions. Architect and oversee pilot programs, proof-of-concepts, and enterprise rollouts. Champion innovation by aligning technology capabilities with organizational goals and clinical outcomes.
Lead enterprise-wide initiatives to enhance system integration, automation, fault tolerance, and resiliency. Collaborate with clinical, security, infrastructure, and application teams to design and implement scalable, secure, and high-performing Microsoft Desktop solutions.
Design and implement advanced monitoring frameworks and performance dashboards. Deliver actionable insights to leadership through analytics and reporting. Continuously assess system health and recommend architectural improvements to optimize performance and user experience.
Interpret and disseminate technical advisories, vendor communications, and industry trends. Establish governance frameworks to ensure compliance, lifecycle management, and alignment with enterprise architecture standards.
Identify and mitigate risks related to system performance, security, and compliance. Lead proactive remediation efforts, including patching, configuration management, and lifecycle planning to ensure platform stability and supportability.
Manage vendor relationships and support contracts for Microsoft 365 and related services. Provide strategic recommendations to leadership on renewals, optimizations, and vendor performance. Evaluate alternative service models and licensing strategies to maximize value.
Deliver high-impact training sessions, workshops, or executive briefings on advanced Microsoft 365 topics. Serve as a subject matter expert and thought leader, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation across the organization.
Patient Population: N/A
Employment Qualifications
Required Education: Master's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Information Systems or a related degree. Or relevant experience
Preferred Education: N/A
Licensing/ Certification
Licensure/Certification Required: Any Microsoft Certification related to Microsoft 365, Azure, Active Directory, Entra, or Window Desktops (e.g. Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert)
Licensure/Certification Preferred: N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Years and Type of Required Experience: 12+ years of endpoint administrative and solutions experience in a large deployment (10,000+ devices). 10+ years of experience with on-prem and remote Windows-based device imaging and deployment. 7+ years of experience with advanced user support and solution development. 7+ years Active Directory experience
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Strong knowledge of healthcare technology regulations like HIPAA and HITECH. Expert knowledge of SSO, MFA, Conditional Access, and related Identity Management technology. Demonstrated highest level of understanding of system architecture, both software and hardware components. Strong knowledge of system performance and tuning techniques. Well versed in additional technologies: network, web, system security functions. Project planning and supervision. Strong organizational skills. Top level technical expert in highly specialized systems programming. Expert knowledge of personal computer hardware, including all system unit components and peripherals. Expert knowledge of Microsoft operating systems, networking software, and related items
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: 7+ years of experience working in a healthcare setting
Combination of education and experience in lieu of a degree.
Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May have periods of constant interruptions. Prolonged periods of working alone.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Balance, Bending
Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing
Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards
Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work,Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision,Acuity - far, Acuity - near
Hazards: Depth perception, Exposure to potential electrical shock
Mental/Sensory -Emotional
Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning,Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities,Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions,Able to Adapt to Frequent Change
EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran
What VCU Health employees say
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Benefits
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About VCU Health
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Health care and social assistance
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Richmond, VA, US
Year founded
1838