AWS Workspaces Migration Architect

Job Title: AWS WorkSpaces Migration Architect

Job Location: Remote(Anywhere in USA)

** Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future**

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced AWS WorkSpaces Migration Architect to lead large-scale End User Computing (EUC) transformation initiatives and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) migrations to AWS WorkSpaces. This role will be responsible for designing, architecting, and delivering secure, scalable, and automated AWS WorkSpaces environments while driving migration strategy, image engineering, infrastructure automation, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in AWS WorkSpaces, Terraform, FSLogix, CI/CD automation, Image Management, and cloud-based desktop transformation programs, with the ability to engage directly with clients and provide strategic architecture guidance.

In this role, you will

• Lead end-to-end discovery, assessment, application dependency mapping, sizing analysis, and migration planning activities for AWS WorkSpaces transformation initiatives.
• Define migration roadmaps, pilot deployments, migration waves, cutover strategies, rollback procedures, and transition plans to ensure seamless migration execution.
• Architect, deploy, and optimize both AWS WorkSpaces Personal (Persistent) and AWS WorkSpaces Pools (Non-Persistent) environments based on business and technical requirements.
• Design desktop pool strategies aligned with workforce personas, user productivity requirements, security standards, and operational objectives.
• Develop scalable AWS WorkSpaces architectures including capacity planning, performance optimization, high availability, resiliency, and disaster recovery solutions.
• Create and implement user profile persistence strategies utilizing FSLogix, User Profile Disks, Profile Containers, Amazon FSx, and App Layering technologies to deliver a consistent user experience.
• Recommend and architect appropriate desktop delivery models including Persistent Desktops, Non-Persistent Desktops, and Hybrid Workspace solutions based on business and operational requirements.
• Optimize application delivery, application virtualization, user personalization, profile management, and enterprise data access strategies across the virtual desktop environment.
• Establish and maintain enterprise-grade Golden Image Management frameworks, image lifecycle processes, image automation standards, and image optimization strategies for Windows desktop environments.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance reusable Terraform Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) modules for AWS WorkSpaces, VPC, networking, IAM, and supporting cloud infrastructure services.
• Design and implement automated CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, and AWS CodePipeline to streamline infrastructure deployment and image management processes.
• Enable GitOps-driven infrastructure deployments, automated testing, compliance validation, release governance, and approval workflows across development and production environments.
• Collaborate with client stakeholders, cloud engineering teams, security teams, and operational support teams to ensure successful solution delivery, knowledge transfer, and transition to steady-state operations.

What you’ll need to succeed (required skills)

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field.
• 14+ years of experience in EUC, VDI, Desktop Virtualization, or Cloud Workspace solutions.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience with AWS cloud services and AWS WorkSpaces.
• Proven experience leading large-scale desktop migration and workplace modernization initiatives.
• Strong client-facing consulting and architecture experience.
• Experience working in enterprise-scale environments with thousands of virtual desktop users.

Required Technical Skills

EUC / VDI Technologies

• AWS WorkSpaces
• FSLogix
• App Volumes
• Dynamic Environment Manager (DEM)
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Architecture
• User Profile Management

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

• Terraform (Expert Level)
• AWS CloudFormation (Preferred)
• GitOps Methodologies
• Infrastructure Automation
• Version Control and Git Workflows

CI/CD & Automation

• Jenkins
• AWS CodePipeline
• Azure DevOps
• GitHub Actions
• Git
• Release Automation
• Pipeline Engineering

Image Engineering & Desktop Management

• Windows 10 Enterprise
• Windows 11 Enterprise
• Golden Image Management
• Automated Image Builds
• Image Optimization
• Image Lifecycle Management
• Application Packaging and Deployment

AWS & Cloud Services

• Amazon FSx
• AWS IAM
• AWS VPC
• Identity & Access Management
• Cloud Security Best Practices
• High Availability and Disaster Recovery Design

Preferred Skills

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate or Professional).
• AWS Certified Advanced Networking or AWS End User Computing specialization experience.
• Experience with enterprise desktop transformation programs.
• Exposure to VMware Horizon, Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops, or Azure Virtual Desktop.
• Experience implementing security and compliance controls in regulated environments.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $140,000 to $150,000 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