Principal Windows Server Infrastructure Architect (5-9 years), Bangalore

Job DescriptionAs the Windows Server Infrastructure Architect, you will own the design, architecture, and standardization of the Windows Server platform across a large-scale environment. This is a senior engineering and architecture role not an operations or endpoint/desktop management role. You will be the technical authority for Windows Server, responsible for building the patching architecture, gold image pipeline, deployment standards, and virtualization strategy that operations teams execute against. You will set direction, define standards, and solve the hardest platform-level problems.QualificationsDeep expertise administering and architecting Windows Server (2016/2019/2022 and newer) at enterprise scaleProven experience designing an enterprise patching/configuration architecture for a large server fleet using SCCM/MECM (Current Branch) or a comparable enterprise toolHands-on experience building Windows Server gold images and standardized deployment/provisioning pipelinesStrong virtualization background: Hyper-V (preferred) and/or VMware vSphere host design, clustering/HA, and capacity planningAdvanced PowerShell scripting and automation; experience with Infrastructure-as-Code and/or configuration management (DSC, Ansible, Terraform, or similar) is a strong plusSolid Active Directory, GPO, DNS, and Windows networking fundamentals as they apply to server infrastructureExperience integrating vulnerability scanners (Qualys, Tenable, Rapid7) and applying security hardening baselines (CIS, DISA STIG)Ability to operate as a technical lead: set standards, produce architecture/design documentation, and guide execution teamsGeneral Skills & CompetenciesProactive self-starter who manages time and priorities independentlyStrong ability to translate business and security needs into comprehensive technical solutions while building credibility across teamsClear written and verbal communication; able to deliver formal architecture presentations to both technical teams and leadershipEffective in one-on-one and group settings; able to respond well to questions in unstructured formatsMentors junior engineers, drives process and service improvements, and keeps current with the Windows Server and virtualization landscapeExperience Required10+ years in Windows Server infrastructure engineering, with a significant portion in an architecture or technical lead capacity on large-scale (1,000+ server) environmentsDemonstrated ownership of enterprise patching architecture, gold image pipelines, and server virtualization at scaleCertifications PreferredMicrosoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800/AZ-801)Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) for hybrid/cloud environmentsMicrosoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator (SC-300) if AD/identity is in scopeVMware VCP-DCV or equivalent Hyper-V/virtualization credential Additional InformationAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Job DescriptionAs the Windows Server Infrastructure Architect, you will own the design, architecture, and standardization of the Windows Server platform across a large-scale environment. This is a senior engineering and architecture role not an operations or endpoint/desktop management role. You will be the technical authority for Windows Server, responsible for building the patching architecture, gold image pipeline, deployment standards, and virtualization strategy that operations teams execute against. You will set direction, define standards, and solve the hardest platform-level problems.QualificationsDeep expertise administering and architecting Windows Server (2016/2019/2022 and newer) at enterprise scaleProven experience designing an enterprise patching/configuration architecture for a large server fleet using SCCM/MECM (Current Branch) or a comparable enterprise toolHands-on experience building Windows Server gold images and standardized deployment/provisioning pipelinesStrong virtualization background: Hyper-V (preferred) and/or VMware vSphere host design, clustering/HA, and capacity planningAdvanced PowerShell scripting and automation; experience with Infrastructure-as-Code and/or configuration management (DSC, Ansible, Terraform, or similar) is a strong plusSolid Active Directory, GPO, DNS, and Windows networking fundamentals as they apply to server infrastructureExperience integrating vulnerability scanners (Qualys, Tenable, Rapid7) and applying security hardening baselines (CIS, DISA STIG)Ability to operate as a technical lead: set standards, produce architecture/design documentation, and guide execution teamsGeneral Skills & CompetenciesProactive self-starter who manages time and priorities independentlyStrong ability to translate business and security needs into comprehensive technical solutions while building credibility across teamsClear written and verbal communication; able to deliver formal architecture presentations to both techni