CDW - Technical Lead - Windows & Directory Services

Description :

At CDW, we make it happen, together.

Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers.

Its why were coworkers, not just employees.

Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another.

We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where were headed.

Were proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.

Job Description Windows & Directory Services Engineer :

Job Summary :

We are looking for a skilled Windows & Directory Services Engineer responsible for managing and maintaining a global Windows Server and Active Directory infrastructure.

The role requires strong expertise in Windows Server (20162025), Active Directory, Azure AD, ADFS, DNS, DHCP, and virtualization technologies such as VMware and Hyper-V.

The engineer will ensure server availability, perform system upgrades, handle escalations, and support modern identity and security integrations.

Key Responsibilities :

Windows Server Administration :

- Perform build, configuration, and decommissioning of Windows servers following project and security standards.

- Deploy Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025 builds across global environments.

- Plan and execute BIOS and firmware upgrades using Lenovo XClarity and Dell OME consoles.

- Manage large-scale virtualized environments (30,000+ servers) across VMware vSphere and Hyper-V infrastructures.

- Perform OS patching, hardening, and compliance activities on a monthly basis.

- Monitor system performance, disk utilization, and resolve threshold or performance-related issues.

- Perform in-place upgrades and server migrations between clusters using SCVMM and standard procedures.

- Manage server provisioning, VM creation, migration, and snapshot operations as per change requests.

- Install, configure, and maintain Windows Server roles and applications in production environments.

- Coordinate with storage teams to troubleshoot and resolve disk latency or I/O issues.

- Work on Azure-based server deployments and integrate with on-premises Active Directory environments.

- Ensure system documentation, change management, and incident response align with SLA requirements.

Active Directory & Directory Services :

- Administer and support multi-domain Active Directory environments.

- Deploy, upgrade, and decommission Domain Controllers following security baselines.

- Troubleshoot AD replication, authentication, and Group Policy issues across sites.

- Manage and secure Active Directory objects including users, groups, OUs, and computer accounts.

- Administer FSMO roles, perform metadata cleanup, and resolve account lockout issues.

- Configure and maintain DNS, DHCP, and ADC servers to support directory operations.

- Implement and support ADFS for single sign-on and identity federation.

- Integrate and synchronize Azure AD with on-premises Active Directory.

- Perform FRS and DFSR migrations to maintain directory replication integrity.

- Backup and restore AD infrastructure using native and third-party tools.

- Perform AD database integrity checks and maintenance using NTDS utilities.

- Design and apply Group Policies (GPOs) for security, user access, and compliance management.

Collaboration & Support :

- Work on P1 and P2 server incidents and provide immediate resolution and RCA documentation.

- Collaborate with network, storage, and security teams to ensure system stability and integration.

- Respond to and close incidents, requests, and changes within SLA timelines using ITSM tools such as ServiceNow.

- Contribute to new technology evaluations, migration projects, and process improvements.

- Provide technical leadership, documentation, and mentoring to junior engineers.

Required Skills & Experience :

- 5-10 years of hands-on experience managing Windows Server and Active Directory environments.

- Strong understanding of Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/2025 installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

- Expertise in Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and ADFS.

- Experience with Azure AD integration and hybrid identity management.

- Proficiency in VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization platforms.

- Experience performing FRS to DFSR migrations and managing replication issues.

- Strong scripting and automation skills (PowerShell preferred).

- Good understanding of IT security principles, patch management, and compliance processes.

- Experience working with ITSM tools (e.g., ServiceNow).

Preferred Qualifications :

- Microsoft Certified : Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate or similar certification.

- Experience managing Azure infrastructure or hybrid cloud environments.

- Knowledge of Active Directory hardening and privileged access management (PAM).

- Experience with backup/recovery tools such as Veeam or DPM.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Soft Skills :

- Excellent communication and documentation abilities.

- Ability to handle critical incidents under pressure.

- Strong collaboration and leadership skills across global teams.

We make technology work so people can do great things.

CDW is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.

A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to navigate an increasingly complex IT market and maximize return on their technology investments.

Together, we unite.

Together, we win.

Together, we thrive.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.

CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants.

During our application process, CDWs goal is to get to know you as an applicant and understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications.

While AI can help you present yourself more clearly and effectively, the essence of your application should be authentically yours.

To learn more, please review CDW's AI Applicant Notice.