**Citrix Engineer – XenApp to Citrix Upgrade & Windows 11 Rollout
Job Title: Citrix Engineer – Citrix XenApp Upgrade & Windows 11 Rollout
Job Type: Full-time / Contract
Overview: Our client, a leading financial services company, is seeking a skilled Citrix Engineer to help drive a key infrastructure project.
The successful candidate will be responsible for upgrading the organization's current Citrix XenApp environment to the latest version of Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, ensuring compatibility for the company's planned Windows 11 rollout. This is a critical project for the business, ensuring their systems are future-proofed and capable of supporting the evolving needs of the organization.
The role is suited to an experienced Citrix Engineer who has led similar upgrades in large, complex environments, within financial services or other regulated industries.
Key Responsibilities
- Citrix Upgrade Strategy & Implementation: You will take ownership of the upgrade from Citrix XenApp to Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD), assessing the current environment and helping to design a robust plan for the upgrade. Working closely with stakeholders, you will ensure minimal disruption to the business while transitioning to the new platform. Key tasks include upgrading core components like Delivery Controllers, StoreFront, Citrix ADC (NetScaler), Machine Catalogs, and Provisioning Services (PVS/MCS).
- Windows 11 Compatibility & Rollout: As part of the Citrix upgrade, you will assess and ensure full compatibility with the client's upcoming Windows 11 rollout. This includes validating the Citrix environment for Windows 11 and ensuring application compatibility, ultimately providing users with a smooth, efficient experience on the new operating system.
- You will document the entire upgrade process, from configurations and troubleshooting steps to any customizations made along the way. Additionally, you'll be responsible for providing knowledge transfer to the internal IT teams, ensuring they are equipped to maintain and support the upgraded Citrix environment going forward.
- You will collaborate with multiple teams, including network engineers, application specialists, and the security team, to ensure that the Citrix upgrade integrates seamlessly with the broader IT infrastructure. Regular communication with senior management and key stakeholders is critical, as is providing timely updates on project progress and potential challenges.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues. Strong communication skills, particularly in explaining technical details to non-technical stakeholders. A proactive approach to project management, with the ability to juggle competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
**Desirable Skills and Experience
- Previous experience in financial services or a similarly regulated industry. Knowledge of Citrix Cloud environments or hybrid deployments. Understanding of security protocols for Citrix environments, such as SSL/TLS, and experience in ensuring FIPS compliance. Experience with mobile device management (MDM) and Citrix Workspace app deployment. Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure or AWS in the context of Citrix deployment.
- Certifications: Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) or Citrix Certified Expert – Virtualization (CCE-V). Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate or equivalent certification is preferred.
- Technical Expertise: Minimum 5 years of experience managing Citrix environments, with a proven track record of upgrading from Citrix XenApp to Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops. Extensive experience with key Citrix components such as Delivery Controllers, Citrix ADC (NetScaler), StoreFront, and Machine Catalogs. Familiarity with Provisioning Services (PVS) or Machine Creation Services (MCS). Experience with Windows Server environments (2016, 2019, 2022) and strong working knowledge of Active Directory. Proven success in managing Windows migration projects, including Windows 11 deployment. Experience with virtualization platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, or Citrix Hypervisor. Proficiency in PowerShell or Citrix SDK for automation.
- Strong attention to detail and a focus on service excellence. Ability to work independently and as part of a wider collaborative team. Desire to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in Citrix and Windows technologies. Strong project management skills, with an emphasis on risk identification and mitigation.