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Senior Specialist Azure Desktop Jobs in Decatur, IL

Senior Endpoint Engineer (R&D Specialist)

Texas, IL ยท Hybrid

$94K - $129K/yr

Desktop & Endpoint Engineering: * Build and maintain desktop OS images and standard software ... Hyper-V, Azure, Entra ID, GPO * ActivClient, eMASS, DISA STIG Viewer * SCAP Compliance Checker ...

Senior Specialist Azure Desktop information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$34.4K

$104.4K

$114K

How much do senior specialist azure desktop jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior specialist azure desktop in Decatur, IL is $104,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,500.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by a senior specialist Azure Desktop when managing large-scale virtual desktop deployments?

Senior Specialist Azure Desktop professionals often encounter challenges such as ensuring consistent performance across a dispersed user base, optimizing costs associated with cloud resources, and maintaining robust security and compliance standards. Managing updates, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and balancing user demand with available resources require strong technical skills and proactive communication with IT, security, and end-user support teams. Effective collaboration and automation can help address these challenges and contribute to smooth, scalable virtual desktop environments.

What is the difference between Senior Specialist Azure Desktop vs Senior Specialist Azure Cloud?

AspectSenior Specialist Azure DesktopSenior Specialist Azure Cloud
Primary FocusManaging and supporting Azure Desktop environments and virtual desktopsDesigning, implementing, and managing Azure cloud infrastructure and services
CertificationsAzure Desktop or Windows Virtual Desktop certifications, Azure FundamentalsAzure Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, or Azure DevOps certifications
Work EnvironmentEnd-user support, desktop virtualization, troubleshooting desktop issuesCloud infrastructure deployment, cloud service management, architecture design
Industry UsageIT support, desktop virtualization providers, enterprise IT departmentsCloud service providers, enterprise cloud teams, SaaS companies

While both roles require Azure knowledge, the Senior Specialist Azure Desktop focuses on desktop virtualization and end-user environments, whereas the Senior Specialist Azure Cloud specializes in cloud infrastructure and service management. The roles differ mainly in scope and technical focus but share core Azure certifications and industry usage.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior specialist Azure Desktop?

To thrive as a Senior Specialist Azure Desktop, you need strong expertise in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) deployment, Windows OS administration, and cloud infrastructure management, usually supported by relevant Microsoft certifications. Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager, PowerShell scripting, and Azure portal is typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you collaborate effectively and resolve complex technical issues. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring secure, scalable, and efficient virtual desktop solutions for organizations.

What is a senior specialist Azure Desktop?

A Senior Specialist Azure Desktop is an IT professional who focuses on designing, deploying, and managing virtual desktop environments using Microsoft Azure technologies, especially Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). They play a key role in ensuring secure, scalable, and high-performance remote desktop solutions for organizations. Their responsibilities often include configuring virtual machines, managing user access, optimizing resources, and troubleshooting issues. Senior Specialists typically collaborate with IT teams to deliver seamless desktop experiences and implement best practices for cloud-based desktop infrastructure.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Specialist Azure Desktop jobs in Decatur, IL? For Senior Specialist Azure Desktop jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Specialist Azure Desktop jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Specialist Azure Desktop jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Senior Specialist Azure Desktop jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Senior Specialist Azure Desktop job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Specialist Azure Desktop job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,351 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Senior Endpoint Engineer (R&D Specialist)

A1FED Inc

Texas, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$94K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Location: DHA locations in and around San Antonio, TX

Clearance Required: Public Trust (ADP/IT-II) or Tier 3 Investigation (NACLC) 


The Senior Endpoint Engineer/R&D Specialist is responsible for architecting, developing, and sustaining endpoint management and delivery solutions that meet DoD and DHA operational and security requirements. This includes designing compliant application packaging, security configurations, software deployments, and mobile device solutions across the hybrid DHA ecosystem. The engineer will also lead Tier 3/4 support efforts, drive endpoint automation and modernization initiatives, and provide technical leadership in support of RMF and Zero Trust alignment.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES


Application Integration & Enterprise Management:

  • Engineer and deploy endpoint management solutions (MECM, Intune, etc.) for both virtual and physical environments.
  • Package, test, and configure baseline applications and images for DHA endpoints.
  • Architect endpoint delivery frameworks to support centralized provisioning, patching, monitoring, and sustainment of services across hybrid (on-prem/cloud/SaaS) environments.
  • Engineer migration strategies from MECM to Intune and develop modern endpoint reporting capabilities.

Endpoint & Identity Security:

  • Validate endpoint compliance with DISA STIGs, DoDI 8510.01 (RMF), and NIST cybersecurity standards.
  • Conduct risk assessments and apply IA controls across all application and OS lifecycle stages.
  • Engineer and maintain endpoint configurations supporting Zero Trust, encryption, data-at-rest (DAR), and continuous monitoring.
  • Maintain artifacts in eMASS, including POA&Ms, risk assessments, and continuous monitoring documentation.

Desktop & Endpoint Engineering:

  • Build and maintain desktop OS images and standard software configurations for enterprise deployment.
  • Engineer solutions supporting task sequences, group policies, and profile/data management.
  • Modernize legacy configurations and support cloud-managed endpoints for improved user experience and performance.
  • Validate application compatibility and implement endpoint enhancements using industry best practices.

Mobile Engineering:

  • Design and implement mobile device provisioning, OS/firmware upgrades, and security configurations.
  • Develop transition plans for migrating MDM platforms while preserving user experience and enterprise controls.

Software Design & System Integration:

  • Research and develop system-level software solutions, including embedded systems and distribution frameworks.
  • Formulate operational specs and conduct in-depth requirement analyses to improve endpoint architectures.

Application Packaging & Automation:

  • Engineer, script, and deliver application packages using enterprise deployment tools.
  • Test application delivery using hypervisors and simulate endpoint software combinations.
  • Ensure compliance with DISA/NIST STIGs in application packaging and configuration management.
  • Maintain application baselines and automate patching and updates.

Preferred Tools & Technologies:

  • Microsoft MECM (SCCM), Intune, MDT, PowerShell
  • Windows Server OS, Windows 10/11
  • Hyper-V, Azure, Entra ID, GPO
  • ActivClient, eMASS, DISA STIG Viewer
  • SCAP Compliance Checker, NIST 800-series
  • Application packaging tools (AdminStudio, WiseScript, etc.)


Education & Certification Requirements (per DoD 8140 Qualification Matrices)

1) Microsoft Certified: Cyber Security Architect Expert or Azure Solutions Architect Expert

2) Any of the following...

  • Academic Education: Bachelor's degree in information technology, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
  • OR Baseline: GCLD or CCE or CASP+ or CEH or GLSC or CISSP


Employment Type: FULL_TIME