Windows SME (W2 role)

Job Title: Windows SME
Duration: 6-12+months contract
Location: Oakland CA (Weekly one day onsite)
Client: PG&E

Job description

Windows SME: Hybrid requirement with one day onsite Tuesday

This role is ideal for a hands-on Windows SME who combines deep Windows engineering expertise with automation, endpoint management, and infrastructure project delivery experience in large enterprise environments.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Windows Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support enterprise Windows infrastructure, operating system engineering, endpoint management, and automation initiatives. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Windows Server, Windows Gold Image Management, Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM/MECM), operating system deployment, patch management, and scripting. This role will partner with Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, and Application teams to deliver secure, scalable, and highly automated Windows platform solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Windows Platform Administration

• Design, deploy, administer, and support enterprise Windows Server environments.
• Build, maintain, and enhance Windows Gold Images for servers and virtual desktop environments.
• Perform OS deployment, upgrades, patching, lifecycle management, and vulnerability remediation.
• Troubleshoot complex operating system, performance, and infrastructure issues.
• Manage Active Directory integrations, Group Policies, and Windows security configurations.

SCCM / MECM Administration

• Administer and maintain Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM/SCCM).
• Manage OS deployments, software distribution, patch management, compliance reporting, and endpoint lifecycle management.
• Develop and maintain task sequences, collections, deployment packages, and configuration baselines.
• Support large-scale Windows server and workstation deployments.

Automation & Scripting

• Develop automation solutions using PowerShell and other scripting technologies.
• Automate server provisioning, patching, software deployment, compliance reporting, and operational tasks.
• Build reusable automation frameworks to improve operational efficiency and consistency.
• Integrate automation with enterprise infrastructure and cloud platforms.

Project Delivery

• Lead and participate in enterprise infrastructure projects, including:
• OS modernization initiatives
• Windows Server upgrades and migrations
• VDI platform deployments
• Data center transformations
• Cloud migration projects
• Security and compliance remediation efforts
• Provide technical leadership and architecture recommendations for Windows infrastructure projects.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain Windows security hardening standards.
• Support vulnerability remediation and audit readiness activities.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise security policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Cybersecurity teams on risk reduction initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of enterprise Windows administration experience.
• Strong experience with Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/2025 environments.
• Extensive experience managing Windows Gold Images.
• Hands-on experience with SCCM/MECM administration.
• Advanced PowerShell scripting skills.
• Experience with OS deployment and patch management at scale.
• Strong understanding of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy.
• Experience supporting enterprise-scale server and endpoint infrastructures.
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AWS and Windows workloads in cloud environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure,Azure Local and Azure Virtual Machines.
• Knowledge of Terraform and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Experience with Azure Automation, Azure Arc, or Intune.
• Familiarity with VMware and virtual desktop environments (Citrix/VDI).
• Understanding of DevOps and CI/CD practices.
• Microsoft certifications preferred.

Desired Skills

• Windows Gold Image Engineering
• SCCM / MECM
• PowerShell Automation
• Windows Server Administration
• Operating System Deployment (OSD)
• Active Directory & Group Policy
• Patch Management
• Endpoint Management
• Azure
• AWS
• Terraform
• VDI / Citrix
• Security Hardening
• Enterprise Infrastructure Operations
• Project Leadership