Job Description – L3/L4 VDI Architect (Citrix / AWS EUC) 

Role Overview 

The VDI Architect is responsible for end-to-end design, architecture, and optimization of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, primarily Citrix (CVAD / DaaS) and future-ready AWS VDI platforms (WorkSpaces / AppStream 2.0). 

This role acts as the highest technical authority (L3/L4), driving scalability, performance, cost optimization, and user experience improvements across the VDI landscape. 

Key Responsibilities 

VDI Architecture & Strategy 

• Design and own VDI architecture across: 

• Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops (CVAD / DaaS) 

• AWS WorkSpaces / AppStream 2.0 (future/transition) 

• Define: 

• Capacity planning models 

• High availability and DR strategy 

• Scalability and performance benchmarks 

• Drive hybrid VDI strategy (on-prem + cloud) 

Citrix Platform Ownership (Core) 

• Architect and optimize: 

• Delivery Controllers 

• StoreFront 

• Citrix Gateway (NetScaler) 

• Machine Creation Services (MCS) / Provisioning Services (PVS) 

• Design secure access architecture (ICA proxy, VPN-less access) 

• Ensure platform resilience and redundancy 

AWS VDI & Cloud Transformation 

• Design and implement: 

• Amazon WorkSpaces environments 

• AppStream 2.0 solutions 

• Define migration strategy: 

• Citrix → AWS (if applicable) 

• Hybrid coexistence models 

• Optimize cost, performance, and scalability in AWS 

Performance Engineering & Optimization 

• Define and monitor: 

• Login time benchmarks 

• Session performance KPIs 

• Resource utilization thresholds 

• Identify and resolve: 

• Latency issues 

• Profile-related delays (FSLogix, UPM) 

• Backend bottlenecks (storage, network, compute) 

• Optimize end-user experience (critical KPI) 

Image & Application Strategy 

• Define gold image strategy: 

• Image standardization 

• Patch and update lifecycle 

• Optimize application delivery: 

• Layering (if applicable) 

• App compatibility within VDI 

• Ensure minimal image sprawl and clean architecture 

Security & Access Design 

• Design secure VDI access using: 

• Citrix Gateway / Zero Trust approaches 

• MFA and identity integration 

• Align with enterprise security policies 

• Ensure secure handling of: 

• Data access 

• Session controls 

• Endpoint restrictions 

Automation & Engineering 

• Lead automation using: 

• PowerShell (mandatory) 

• Cloud automation (AWS CLI / Terraform – good to have) 

• Automate: 

• Provisioning of VDI resources 

• Image management 

• Monitoring and remediation 

• Reduce manual operational overhead 

Monitoring & Observability 

• Define monitoring strategy using: 

• Citrix Director 

• Enterprise monitoring tools 

• Build dashboards for: 

• User experience 

• Session health 

• Platform performance 

• Drive proactive issue detection 

Incident Leadership & Escalation (L3/L4) 

• Act as final escalation point for critical VDI issues 

• Lead troubleshooting during: 

• Major Incidents (MIM) 

• Widespread login/performance issues 

• Provide structured RCA and preventive measures 

Stakeholder & Client Management 

• Act as technical SME for VDI discussions with client 

• Present: 

• Architecture designs 

• Optimization roadmap 

• Cost vs performance insights 

• Translate technical issues into business impact 

Required Skills & Qualifications 

Technical Expertise (Non-Negotiable) 

• Deep hands-on experience in: 

• Citrix CVAD / Citrix DaaS architecture 

• Citrix Gateway (NetScaler) 

• MCS / PVS provisioning 

• Strong knowledge of: 

• Windows OS (VDI optimization) 

• Active Directory, GPO 

• Profile management (FSLogix, UPM) 

Cloud & AWS Skills 

• Experience with: 

• Amazon WorkSpaces / AppStream 2.0 (preferred) 

• AWS fundamentals (VPC, IAM, EC2) 

• Understanding of hybrid architecture (on-prem + cloud) 

Performance & Troubleshooting 

• Strong ability to troubleshoot across layers: 

• Endpoint → Network → Citrix → Backend infra 

• Expertise in: 

• Login performance analysis 

• Session optimization 

Automation & Tools 

• Strong scripting: 

• PowerShell (mandatory) 

• Exposure to: 

• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform – good to have) 

Process & Governance 

• Strong ITIL knowledge: 

• Incident, Problem, Change Management 

• Experience in: 

• RCA reviews 

• CAB discussions 

• Capacity and performance reporting 

Leadership Skills 

• Strong decision-making under pressure 

• Ability to lead architecture and design discussions 

• Mentoring L1/L2 teams 

• Ability to challenge inefficient designs 

Experience & Education 

• 7–12+ years of experience in VDI / Citrix / EUC engineering 

• 3–5 years in L3/L4 or Architect role 

• Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field 

• Certifications (strong advantage): 

• Citrix CCA-V / CCP-V / CCE-V 

• AWS Solutions Architect (Associate)