Sr. Desktop Engineer

Position Summary:

The Senior Desktop Engineer serves as a technical leader within Desktop Engineering independently architecting implementing and managing the universitys enduser computing infrastructure. This role is accountable for advanced configuration management across macOS Windows and Linux platforms; deep expertise with enterprise management tools such as Jamf Intune MECM and AWX; and for developing scalable automated solutions that elevate reliability security and user experience across the Vanderbilt addition to platform ownership the Senior Desktop Engineer coaches and mentors Desktop Engineers to build team-wide skill redundancy strengthen operational capabilities and support longterm workforce development.

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Information Technology is a human-centric organization that advances our university by delivering innovative solutions and frictionless experiences through collaboration.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Desktop Engineering & Infrastructure Management:

• Autonomously design implement and maintain desktop engineering management infrastructure including configuration profiles compliance policies automation pipelines and enterprisewide deployment frameworks.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in Jamf Intune MECM GPO and AWX ensuring bestpractice configuration security hardening and platform optimization across all managed devices.

• Develop and maintain advanced device management policies continually refining enforcement automation and configuration baselines to improve security posture and enduser experience.

• Lead support configuration and enhancement of AWS Workspaces AWS AppStream and Azure Virtual Desktop environments.

• Diagnose and resolve the most complex enduser device and application issues acting as an escalation point for Desktop Engineering and service desk teams.

• Oversee enterprise software and update distribution ensuring reliable controlled deployment of applications configurations and OS updates.

• Collect and analyze operational metrics using data to drive service improvements and measure compliance reliability and adoption.
  
  

Coaching Collaboration & Leadership:

• Coach Desktop Engineers on device management tools scripting automation and troubleshooting methodologies to develop skill redundancy across the team.

• Provide technical leadership on infrastructure projects ensuring engineering standards documentation and operational readiness are met.

• Collaborate with VUIT leadership to evaluate technologies enhance service lines and influence strategic direction for enduser platform engineering.

Software License Management and Compliance:

• Serve as a resource for necessary software licensing models terms and compliance requirements. Act as the go to resource for interpreting licensing terms especially for site and volume agreements.

• Track and Document License Usage including where and how they are deployed across the university. Use license-tracking systems to monitor usage and ensure alignment with contractual entitlements.

• Coordinate license renewals with users and departments to manage the timely renewal acquisition and phase-out of software licenses. This includes providing continual reporting to VUIT Business Operations for customer billing.

• Ensure compliance through continuous review and conducting ongoing audits of existing software contracts. Identify and address any discrepancies or risks related to overuse or underutilization.

• Support vendor-initiated software audit requests.
  
  

Support the Software Storefront:

• Support integration and management of applications distributed through the universitys software storefront ensuring proper entitlement licensing and automated deployment.
  
  

Service Development & Continuous Improvement:

• Lead enhancements to existing desktop engineering services by identifying improvement opportunities and implementing scalable secure efficient solutions.

• Develop documentation engineering runbooks and platform standards to support operational sustainability and crossteam adoption.

On-call Responsibilities:

The position includes rotating on-call duties for after-hours incident response and requests.

Driving Required:

Must have and maintain a valid drivers license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Manager Desktop Engineering.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelors degree is necessary

• Linux certification is preferred

• AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is preferred

• Azure Fundamentals certification is preferred

Experience and Skills:

• 5-7 years of related experience is necessary

• Working knowledge of MECM GPO JAMF AWX and Intune is necessary

• Proficiency in Microsoft Apple and Linux operating systems is necessary

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously on complex infrastructure design configuration and implementation is required.

• Demonstrated commitment to VUITs Guiding Principles is necessary

Information Technologys Guiding Principles:

• Trust and Respect- VUIT cultivates a community built on trust mutual respect and inclusivity where all members feel valued and supported. We prioritize honesty dignity empathy and a willingness to listen and understand.

• Professionalism- VUIT strives to maintain a culture of maturity accountability and integrity to best represent the University and self. Have a sense of humility and poise in your work and daily interactions.

• Collaborate- VUIT commits to being inclusive in solution design where we value sharing within and partnering across the university. We are intentional about including our colleagues and preventing silos.

• Bias-to-Action- VUIT is seen as a changemaker by exhibiting a decisive self-starter take-action approach with a willingness to make decisions without excessive deliberation. Personal initiative is recognized as a key part of the creative process.

• Communicate- Communication (written verbal and non-verbal) within and outside VUIT is open thoughtful welcoming clear proactive concise yet complete always honest and delivered kindly.

• Innovate- VUIT pledges to be bold and challenge the status quo by inspiring a culture of creativity that promotes growth and advancement for the university.

• Celebrate Each Other- We are intentional in showing appreciation for the work of others by valuing and acknowledging meaningful contributions at all levels of the organization.

• Optimize- VUIT will practice continuous and thoughtful optimization of our solutions and services to increase our human and technological capacity. Capacity drives innovation.