L3 Support (Expert in Citrix Application Layering)

Job Title: Citrix Engineer - L3 Support (Expert in Citrix Application Layering)

Location: Princetion NJ - Hybrid 1 OR 2 Days Onsite.
Employment Type: Contract

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled Citrix Engineer (L3 Support) with deep expertise in Citrix Application Layering (App Layering) to join our IT infrastructure team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing top-tier support, troubleshooting, and optimization of Citrix environments, ensuring high availability, security, and performance. This role requires an advanced understanding of Citrix technologies, virtualization, automation, and enterprise-level application delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Citrix Application Layering (App Layering) Expertise:

Design, implement, and manage Citrix App Layering (ELM - Enterprise Layer Manager) solutions.
Create, maintain, and optimize OS layers, Platform layers, and Application layers while ensuring compatibility across all layers.
Troubleshoot App Layering issues, including layer conflicts, storage space management, app versioning, and elastic layering deployment.
Ensure best practices for layering, including maintaining a clean OS layer and minimizing the need for frequent OS and Platform layer recreation.
Optimize Citrix Optimizer and App Layering Supplement settings for best performance.
Ensure proper integration of Citrix App Layering with hypervisors (VMware, Hyper-V, Citrix Hypervisor) and Citrix Provisioning Services (PVS/MCS).
Perform rigorous testing (UAT, sandbox) and validation before deploying layered images into production.

Citrix Infrastructure & Virtualization Support (L3):

Provide advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD), Citrix Gateway, StoreFront, Director, and Workspace Environment Management (WEM).
Work with FSLogix for user profile management and application masking.
Ensure high availability and disaster recovery strategies for Citrix environments.
Manage and optimize Citrix policies, group policies, and security configurations to enhance system performance and user experience.
Support and manage Citrix Provisioning Services (PVS) and Machine Creation Services (MCS) deployments.
Configure and optimize Citrix ADC (NetScaler) for load balancing and secure remote access.

Automation, Performance Optimization & Security:

Automate tasks using PowerShell scripting for Citrix environment monitoring, provisioning, and maintenance.
Optimize Citrix resource utilization (CPU, memory, disk I/O) to improve performance and user experience.
Implement security best practices for Citrix environments, including hardening and patch management.
Monitor and analyze performance metrics using Citrix Director, Splunk, or other enterprise monitoring tools.

Collaboration & Documentation:

Work closely with application teams, infrastructure teams, and end-users to resolve complex Citrix-related issues.
Maintain detailed documentation of Citrix configurations, App Layering procedures, and troubleshooting steps.
Train L1/L2 teams and provide technical guidance on Citrix best practices.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

10+ years of experience in Citrix administration, including at least 5 years of hands-on experience with Citrix App Layering (ELM).
Expertise in Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops (CVAD), Citrix App Layering, Citrix Provisioning (PVS), Machine Creation Services (MCS), and FSLogix.
Strong knowledge of hypervisor platforms (VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix Hypervisor).
Experience with Citrix ADC (NetScaler), StoreFront, and Citrix Gateway (VPN/HDX traffic management).
Advanced PowerShell scripting skills for automation.
Experience with Windows Server OS (2016/2019/2022), Active Directory, Group Policy, and DNS.
Familiarity with security best practices, patch management, and compliance standards (SOC 2, NIST, ISO 27001, etc.).
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Certifications:

Citrix Certified Expert - Virtualization (CCE-V) (Highly Preferred)
Citrix Certified Professional - Virtualization (CCP-V)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (if experience with Citrix on Azure)
VMware Certified Professional (VCP-DCV) (if working with VMware)