The Principal Desktop Engineer is a senior leadership role within an enterprise IT team, responsible for both strategic planning and hands-on technical execution in managing Windows and macOS platforms. This individual will lead a distributed team of 20-25 desktop engineers and technicians, focusing on scripting, automation, endpoint configuration, and incident resolution to ensure operational excellence. Key responsibilities include setting the end-user computing strategy, providing technical architecture leadership for VDI and modern endpoint management tools like Microsoft Intune and SCCM, driving automation initiatives such as Windows 11 upgrades, and serving as the highest-level escalation point for complex issues. The role requires expertise in PowerShell scripting, virtual desktop technologies, and a deep understanding of enterprise security practices. Ideal candidates have over 10 years of IT engineering experience with at least 5 years in leadership roles within large-scale environments, demonstrating innovation in improving user experiences through automation and analytics.
Skills
Windows
macOS
Microsoft SCCM/MECM
Microsoft Intune
PowerShell
Python
Citrix
VMware Horizon
Azure Virtual Desktop
Endpoint security
Networking
Automation
Scripting
Leadership
Communication
Testing
Validation
Quality Assurance
Vendor management
Budgeting
Licensing optimization
What you'll do
Set and own the enterprise roadmap for end-user computing, including OS modernization and automation initiatives.
Lead technical architecture for Windows, macOS, VDI, and endpoint management platforms to ensure consistency and compliance.
Serve as senior technical escalation point for complex endpoint issues, guiding root cause analysis and remediation.
Manage and mentor a team of 20–25 desktop engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence and high performance.
Oversee large-scale desktop initiatives such as OS migrations, hardware refreshes, and new platform rollouts across teams.
Ensure operational excellence by establishing KPIs, monitoring service health, and managing vendor relationships for endpoint assets.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s degree in IT or Computer Science with 10+ years in IT engineering and 5+ years in enterprise desktop roles, including leadership.
Deep hands-on expertise in Windows and macOS OS deployment, imaging, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management.
Expert-level experience with Microsoft SCCM/MECM and Intune for software distribution, patching, compliance, and co-management.
Strong understanding of virtual desktop technologies (Citrix, VMware Horizon) and their integration with endpoint environments.
Proven ability to automate endpoint operations using PowerShell or Python, supporting zero-touch provisioning and configuration management.
Solid understanding of endpoint security best practices and relevant networking concepts in large-scale enterprise environments.
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise testing strategies, pilot programs, and vendor technical evaluations.
Market check
Salary context
Above market
How this pay compares to similar roles
Similar $188k
This role $216k
$124k
most similar roles pay here
$288k
This role pays more than
82%
of similar roles. Most pay
$161,500–$214,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$216k
versus about
$188k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About T. Rowe Price
T. Rowe Price is an asset management firm focused on delivering global investment management excellence and retirement services
T. Rowe Price currently has
20 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$133,000–$226,500
across 20 roles with salary data.
Windows
Microsoft Office
Zoom
Microsoft Teams
Linux
MacOS
AV technology
network troubleshooting
hardware maintenance
software installation
preventive maintenance
ticket tracking
event support
inventory management
A/V equipment setup
multimedia applications
cloud services
CI/CD
Python
JavaScript
Windows
Active Directory
Group Policy
ServiceNow
Endpoint Security
Image Creation Tools
DNS
DHCP
SCCM
Intune
MEDC
MFA
ITIL
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Network+
Microsoft Certifications