Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) SME - SC Cleared Location: Remote with occasional travel to Gloucester Business Park, UK Duration: 3 Months (Contract) Day Rate: £425 (Inside IR35) Start Date: ASAP Clearance Required: SC (Security Clearance) - Mandatory About the Role We are looking for an experienced Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) SME to lead the migration of AWS Workspaces to AVD within a secure, nuclear-sensitive environment. This role requires hands-on technical expertise in AVD architecture, migration best practices, and the ability to deliver within tight timelines. You will also be responsible for running, operating, and enhancing the global AVD environment, ensuring secure, highly available, and performant virtual desktop solutions for developers and standard users. Key Responsibilities Lead AWS Workspaces migration (Windows 2016 OS) to Azure Virtual Desktop within agreed timelines. Perform application compatibility checks, UAT, and pilot migrations. Deliver seamless migrations for developer and standard user instances. Provide hypercare support during and post-migration. Maintain detailed migration documentation and handover materials for BAU teams. Manage and administer AVD infrastructure, including host pools, images, apps, user/application access, and resource groups. Configure and support multi-user environments with FSLogix and storage solutions such as NetApp. Ensure high availability, security, and DR capabilities across AVD components. Operate and manage the AVD environment via Terraform, ARM Templates, Azure CLI, GitHub Repos, and PowerShell. Maintain Windows environments (Group Policies, OUs, patching, and application configuration). Mentor and cross-skill junior SMEs to develop team capability. Essential Skills & Experience UK SC Clearance - required prior to start. Proven track record in migrating AWS Workspaces to Azure Virtual Desktop. Deep knowledge of AVD architecture, design, and best practices. Hands-on expertise with AVD management, configuration, and deployment. Skilled in managing Resource Pools, Host Groups, VM Images, Applications, and User Access. Proficiency in FSLogix configuration for user customisation. Strong experience with Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, GitHub Repos, Terraform, ARM Templates, Azure CLI, and PowerShell. Proficient in Windows OS, Group Policy Management, and application troubleshooting. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Ability to work independently and remotely, with occasional travel to site. Desirable Skills Understanding of Agile frameworks (Scrum) and tools such as Jira and ServiceNow. Strong Azure fundamentals and knowledge of cloud computing best practices. Experience building and maintaining Terraform-based IaC pipelines. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills. Additional Information Out-of-hours support may be required depending on project needs. This is an individual contributor role (no direct reports). Contract is Inside IR35. Person Specification Problem Solving: Analytical mindset with the ability to resolve complex technical issues. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to work effectively with end-users, project teams, and stakeholders. Collaboration: Works well in cross-functional and distributed teams; supportive and proactive.