Modern Workplace Engineer - Cloud Desktops & M365

Modern Workplace Engineer (Microsoft 365 + Azure + Windows + VDI + Security + Automation)

Utica, MI (office-first with flexibility / hybrid options) | Microsoft 365 • Azure • Windows • VMware/VDI • Security • Automation

Help businesses run better—starting with the user experience

At SMART I.T. Services, we support organizations with cloud-first IT, cybersecurity, and proactive managed services. We’re hiring a Modern Workplace Engineer who’s strong in Microsoft desktops + cloud productivity and comfortable working in environments that may include virtual desktops (VDI)—someone who can improve, standardize, and elevate the end-user computing experience across diverse client environments.

This is a great fit if you like being hands-on, enjoy talking to people, and love taking a messy “it works… kinda” environment and turning it into something clean, secure, and scalable.

What you’ll do

• Support and improve Windows desktop environments (performance, stability, user experience, standards).

• Deploy, configure, and optimize Microsoft 365 (identity, apps, collaboration, security baselines).

• Work across cloud/hybrid environments—Azure and Microsoft services, plus on-prem where needed.

• Support and enhance virtual desktop platforms and related tooling (VDI—VMware-style environments).

• Handle escalations with excellent communication: diagnose, explain, resolve, and document clearly.

• Strengthen environments with practical security: MFA, endpoint hardening, patching, backup awareness, least privilege.

• Build repeatable processes and automations (workflow mindset, runbooks, integrations—tools like n8n/Zapier-style orchestration where it fits).

• Help teams adopt modern productivity tooling safely and usefully (including Copilot and AI-assisted workflows where appropriate).

Technologies you’ll touch (depending on client)

• Windows 10/11, desktop troubleshooting, imaging/provisioning, endpoint management concepts

• Microsoft 365 / Azure, Windows Server, Active Directory/Identity

• Virtual desktop environments (VDI / VMware-type platforms)

• Networking basics (VPN, DNS, DHCP, Wi-Fi) + firewall/VLAN concepts (Cisco/Meraki exposure is a plus)

• MSP tooling (ticketing/RMM such as ConnectWise/Kaseya-style operations)

Nice-to-have (not required, big plus)

If you bring any of these, we’ll be excited—but they’re not required:

• OpenClaw (AI agent framework) experience—building or operating agentic workflows safely and reliably

• Docker (containers) familiarity

• Kubernetes fundamentals (what it does: orchestrates containerized apps—deployments, scaling, updates, and keeping services running)

• Linux, especially Ubuntu (basic admin, troubleshooting, services, scripting)

• Experience experimenting with local/private LLMs and lightweight self-hosting (privacy-aware AI, local inference, internal tooling)

You might be our person if…

• You’ve supported a lot of users—and you can balance empathy with efficiency.

• You’re comfortable in both cloud and desktop worlds (and you don’t get intimidated by hybrid complexity).

• You know what “good” looks like for modern endpoints and can improve environments without overcomplicating them.

• You’re the tinkerer type: home lab, cloud sandbox, testing policies, trying automations, helping friends/family with tech.

Experience level

We’re open to multiple levels, but this role is best for someone with strong hands-on Microsoft desktop + cloud experience and comfort working in end-user, enterprise-ish environments.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement program

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Your birthday off

Ready to apply?

If you want to work on modern workplace environments—cloud productivity, desktops, practical security, and automation (with optional exposure to OpenClaw/containers/Linux/LLMs)—apply today.

Hybrid/Flex Role — Local Residency Required

This position offers some flexible and hybrid scheduling; however, candidates must reside within 150 miles of Detroit, MI to support on-site client needs, occasional in-person meetings, and time-sensitive dispatches.

3 quick questions (so I can sharpen this even more)

1. Do you want to name specific VDI platforms (e.g., VMware Horizon, Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365) or keep it generic as “VDI”?

2. Should I add a short “success in 90 days” section (what winning looks like early on), or keep it lean?

3. Any certifications you want to optionally list as nice-to-have (e.g., MD-102, MS-102, AZ-104, Security+), or avoid certs entirely?