Principal Desktop Engineer

Location: Chicago

Job Type: Contract

Salary: $100-140ph Working Pattern: Hybrid We are looking for an experienced Principal Desktop Engineer to join our End User Computing team and play a key role in designing, engineering and supporting a modern enterprise desktop environment. You will act as a senior technical authority, leading complex engineering initiatives, resolving high-level escalations and driving innovation across the end-user technology landscape. You will work closely with Business, IT and Security leaders to develop solutions that are secure, reliable, scalable and deliver an excellent user experience.

Key Responsibilities: Design, develop and implement engineering solutions for the enterprise desktop environment. Lead technical projects from conception through to successful delivery. Design and package applications for enterprise deployment using VMware App Stacks and similar technologies. Develop technical specifications, architectural designs, standards, best practices and design patterns. Maintain and oversee Windows operating system base builds, including feature updates, software updates and vulnerability remediation. Preserve and manage end-user profile settings within virtual desktop environments. Troubleshoot complex application installation, compatibility, performance and runtime issues. Support and troubleshoot Microsoft 365 / Office 365 and desktop/mobile applications. Resolve complex systems integration and multi-platform compatibility issues. Automate end-user technology processes using scripting and modern engineering practices. Research emerging technologies and recommend strategic adoption where appropriate. Act as a senior technical escalation point for complex desktop and end-user computing issues. Work with Business, IT and Security stakeholders to gather requirements and communicate technical changes. Identify risks proactively and develop practical, solution-focused improvements. Challenge existing approaches and drive innovation across the end-user experience. Provide tactical and strategic input into the overall End User Computing strategy. Lead projects of varying size and complexity while managing competing priorities. Provide technical guidance and mentoring to members of the Desktop Engineering team. Document technical designs, changes, policies, procedures and environment diagrams.

Essential Skills & Experience: Technical 8+ years' experience in desktop engineering, end-user computing or a closely related role.8+ years' experience with enterprise desktop management solutions.8+ years' experience supporting Microsoft 365 / Office 365 environments. Strong experience supporting Windows desktop operating systems. Proven experience deploying applications across enterprise desktop environments using modern deployment technologies. Strong desktop application troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Experience with scripting or automation technologies such as Power Shell, Python or Terraform. Demonstrable expertise in desktop engineering architecture and solution design. Experience working within a Dev Ops culture and applying modern engineering practices. Understanding of risk and controls within technical processes. Experience addressing systems integration, compatibility and multi-platform challenges. We're looking for someone who combines strong hands-on desktop engineering expertise with the ability to lead projects, influence stakeholders and mentor others. You will be comfortable working at both a strategic and technical level, taking ownership of complex problems and turning them into secure, scalable and innovative solutions. If you are passionate about end-user technology, automation and improving the digital workplace, we'd like to hear from you.