VMware VDI to AWS Workspaces Core Migration Architect
Location : Remote
Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.
Engagement Overview
This document defines the roles and responsibilities for personnel required to execute a migration from VMware Horizon (Omnissa) to Amazon WorkSpaces Core.
Team Structure: One (1) Senior VDI Migration Architect serving as technical lead, supported by two (2) VDI Migration Engineers responsible for hands-on execution.
Scope: End-to-end migration delivery including infrastructure design, identity integration, application packaging, image lifecycle automation, data migration, patching workflows, and operational handover.
Senior VDI Migration Architect (Lead)
Purpose and Scope
Serves as the technical lead and primary point of accountability for the migration engagement. Owns architecture decisions, customer-facing communication, delivery oversight, and quality of all technical outputs.
Key Responsibilities
- Design the target-state AWS WorkSpaces Core architecture including directory integration, networking, bundle strategy, and running-mode selection
- Define the Terraform module structure for WorkSpaces provisioning, FSx configuration, VPC/subnet layout, and IAM policies
- Architect CI/CD pipelines for golden image build, test, and deployment lifecycle
- Lead customer discovery sessions and translate business requirements into technical scope
- Establish the migration wave plan, cutover sequencing, and rollback procedures
- Review all automation code (Python, PowerShell) produced by the engineering team
- Own the patching strategy decision (image-rebuild vs. live-patch) and associated automation design
- Define monitoring, alerting, and observability standards (CloudWatch, Splunk, Datadog as applicable)
- Produce architecture documentation, runbooks, and knowledge-transfer materials
- Serve as escalation point for technical blockers and cross-team dependencies
Required Technical Skills
- AWS WorkSpaces Core: provisioning, bundle management, directory integration (AWS Managed AD, AD Connector), WorkSpaces APIs
- Terraform: module development, state management, workspace strategy, CI/CD integration
- CI/CD: GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or AWS CodePipeline for infrastructure and image pipelines
- Python: automation scripting for provisioning, onboarding workflows, and validation
- PowerShell: Windows image configuration, application silent-install scripting, Group Policy automation
- AWS platform services: VPC, IAM, Directory Service, FSx for Windows File Server, S3, CloudWatch, KMS, AWS Backup, Systems Manager
- Networking: Direct Connect, VPN, Transit Gateway, security groups, NACLs, hybrid DNS
- Identity: Active Directory OU design, Group Policy, service account delegation
Required Soft Skills
- Clear, factual communication with customer stakeholders at technical and executive levels
- Ability to lead discovery workshops, whiteboard sessions, and architecture reviews
- Structured documentation and runbook authoring
- Mentorship of junior and mid-level engineers
- Decision-making under ambiguity; ability to define path forward when requirements are incomplete
Preferred Qualifications and Certifications
- 8+ years infrastructure/cloud engineering experience
- 3+ years in VDI/EUC environments (VMware Horizon, Citrix, or AWS WorkSpaces)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate or Professional)
- HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
- VMware Certified Professional (VCP-DCV) or equivalent demonstrable experience
- Experience with compliance frameworks (HIPAA, PCI, SOX, FedRAMP, StateRAMP, CJIS)
VDI Migration Engineer
Purpose and Scope
Two engineers in this role support the Senior Architect with hands-on execution of migration tasks. They build and maintain automation, package applications, execute migration waves, and produce operational documentation under the direction of the lead.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain Terraform configurations for WorkSpaces provisioning, networking, and supporting infrastructure
- Build and operate CI/CD pipelines for golden image creation, patching, and deployment
- Write Python and PowerShell scripts for user provisioning, application installation, validation testing, and operational automation
- Package applications with silent-install commands (MSI, EXE switches, Chocolatey, PowerShell)
- Research and resolve legacy/EOL application installation challenges
- Execute migration waves: provision WorkSpaces, validate application stacks, confirm user access
- Configure enterprise agents on images (EDR, proxy/zero-trust, endpoint management, log/telemetry)
- Implement FSx for Windows File Server configuration, ACL preservation, and backup plans
- Configure monitoring dashboards and alerting rules per the architecture defined by the lead
- Produce operational runbooks, troubleshooting guides, and KT session content
- Execute patching workflows (WSUS, SCCM, Ivanti, or image-rebuild model as directed)
Required Technical Skills
- AWS WorkSpaces: provisioning, bundle configuration, directory integration basics
- Terraform: ability to write and modify modules, execute plans, manage state under guidance
- CI/CD: experience building or maintaining pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins, or AWS CodePipeline)
- Python: scripting for automation tasks, API interactions, and data validation
- PowerShell: Windows administration, application packaging, registry manipulation, scheduled tasks
- AWS services: EC2, S3, IAM, CloudWatch, Systems Manager, FSx, AWS Backup
- Windows Server: Active Directory, Group Policy, WSUS, SCCM fundamentals
- Application packaging: silent-install creation, enterprise agent deployment, post-install configuration
Required Soft Skills
- Clear written communication for runbooks, status updates, and issue documentation
- Ability to work directly with customer IT staff during migration execution
- Attention to detail in configuration and validation tasks
- Willingness to troubleshoot unfamiliar application installation failures
- Ability to follow established procedures and escalate when encountering blockers
Preferred Qualifications and Certifications
- 4+ years infrastructure or cloud engineering experience
- 1+ years working with VDI/EUC platforms
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
- HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
- Experience with configuration management tools (Ansible, SCCM, Intune)
- Familiarity with compliance requirements in regulated environments
Technology Stack Summary
Technology | Senior Architect | Migration Engineer |
|---|---|---|
VMware Horizon / Omnissa | Preferred | Preferred |
AWS WorkSpaces Core | Required (deep) | Required (working) |
Terraform | Required (design + review) | Required (develop + execute) |
CI/CD (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, CodePipeline) | Required (design) | Required (build + maintain) |
Python | Required (review + author) | Required (primary author) |
PowerShell | Required (review + author) | Required (primary author) |
AWS (VPC, IAM, FSx, CloudWatch, KMS) | Required (architecture) | Required (implementation) |
Active Directory / Group Policy | Required | Required |
Networking (DX, VPN, TGW) | Required | Preferred |
Application Packaging (MSI, Chocolatey) | Preferred | Required |
Compliance (HIPAA, PCI, FedRAMP) | Required (awareness) | Preferred |
Team Interaction Model
The following describes how the three roles collaborate during engagement delivery:
Activity | Senior Architect | Migration Engineer |
|---|---|---|
Architecture Design | Owns; produces designs | Provides input; implements |
Customer Communication | Primary point of contact | Supports during technical sessions |
Terraform / IaC | Defines module structure; reviews PRs | Writes and tests modules |
CI/CD Pipelines | Defines pipeline architecture | Builds and maintains pipelines |
Automation Scripts | Reviews; authors complex logic | Primary author; unit testing |
App Packaging | Escalation for failures | Packages and validates installs |
Migration Execution | Oversees wave plan; manages risk | Executes waves; validates |
Documentation | Reviews; owns architecture docs | Writes runbooks and KT content |
Escalation | Receives and resolves | Escalates blockers to lead |
The Salary for this position will be 140,000 and 160,000 yearly depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
401(k) plan and contributions
Long-term/Short-term Disability
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Disclaimer: The compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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