Desktop Engineer (Hybrid) chez Vanderbilt University

Position Summary:

The IT Desktop Engineer is a key contributor responsible for managing end-user devices, developing and testing software deployment processes, and supporting virtual desktop/streaming application environments. This role also is directly responsible for software license management and compliance, domain registration, and ensures appropriate software store reporting is provided to the VUIT Business Operations team to facilitate customer billing. The IT Desktop Engineer also provides tier 3 support for the service desk teams.

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:

• Implement policies and procedures for device management.

• Continually review and enhance device management policies and platform settings. 

• Operate and support AWS Workspaces, AWS AppStream, and Azure Virtual Desktop environments.

• Diagnose and resolve complex end-user device and application issues.

• Manage electronic distribution of software and software/system updates ensuring that users have access to the tools they need while maintaining control over distribution channels.

• Collect, analyze, and share operational data and metrics.

• Provision and renew domains with various registrars.

• Create policies and rules for configuration and device management agents including MECM, JAMF, Intune, GPO, and AWX.

Software License Management and Compliance:

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert 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:

• Administer the university’s software storefront, ensuring it reflects current offerings, licensing terms, and user access protocols.

Service and Product Development, Implementation and Management:

• Collaborate with peers, VUIT Leadership, and customers to select technologies and develop future lines of service.

• Continually review current service offerings to enhance functionality or provide modifications to improve efficiency. 

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 driver's 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 Lead Desktop Engineer.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is necessary

• Linux+ certification is preferred

• AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is preferred

• Azure Fundamentals certification is preferred

Experience and Skills:

• 3 + 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 commitment to VUIT’s Guiding Principles is necessary

Information Technology’s 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.

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