Lead Engineer

Role & responsibilities

Looking for Immediate joiner

Citrix Lead Engineer (App Layering Specialist)

Role Overview

We are seeking a high-level Citrix Lead to architect, implement, and manage our next-generation virtual desktop infrastructure. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in Citrix App Layering (ELM), capable of moving away from traditional "fat" gold images toward a modular, layered approach. You will lead the technical strategy for image portability across hybrid-cloud environments (Azure/AWS and On-Prem).

Key Responsibilities

1. Infrastructure Architecture & App Layering Strategy

Design and maintain the Enterprise Layer Manager (ELM) appliance infrastructure.

Architect a modular image strategy using OS Layers, Platform Layers, and App Layers.

Implement and manage Elastic Layering to deliver applications on-demand based on AD group membership, reducing the total number of managed golden images.

Configure and optimize User Layers (Full User Layers) to provide persistence in non-persistent VDI environments, ensuring VHDX/VHD files are stored on high-availability shares.

2. Image Management & Provisioning

Lead the integration between App Layering and provisioning technologies like Citrix Provisioning (PVS) or Machine Creation Services (MCS).

Automate the "App Layering to PVS" workflow using connector scripts to streamline image publishing.

Manage Image Portability Services to export and prepare master images across different hypervisors (e.g., migrating workloads from VMware to Azure).

3. Performance & Optimization

Utilize Workspace Environment Management (WEM) to optimize logon times and CPU/RAM consumption alongside layered images.

Troubleshoot complex "Layer Conflict" issues where multiple application layers interact within the same virtual filter driver.

Ensure high availability for the SMB file shares hosting the Elastic and User layers.

4. Leadership & Governance

Act as the Tier 4 escalation point for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD) issues.

Establish "Layering Recipes" and best practices for the packaging team to follow.

Lead capacity planning and versioning control for the App Layering environment.

Technical Requirements

Citrix Expert: 10+ years of experience with Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD).

Layering Mastery: Deep hands-on experience with Citrix App Layering 4.x/2026+ (ELM, App/Platform/OS layers, Elastic/User layers).

Provisioning: Strong proficiency in PVS (vDisk management, Load Balancing) and MCS.

Cloud Integration: Experience deploying Citrix in Microsoft Azure or AWS, specifically using the Azure Deployment Connector for App Layering.

Storage/Networking: Strong understanding of SMB/CIFS, NTFS permissions, and NetScaler (Citrix Gateway/ADC) for remote access.

Scripting: Proficiency in PowerShell for automating image updates and maintenance tasks.

Preferred Qualifications & Certifications

CCP-V (Citrix Certified Professional Virtualization) or CCE-V (Expert) is highly preferred.

Specific training in CWS-311 (Citrix App Layering and WEM Administration).

Experience with NVMe disk controllers in cloud-based packaging machines (a 2026-specific performance requirement).

Knowledge of VHDX conversion scripts and offload compositing features.

Preferred candidate profile

Perks and benefits