Microsoft Windows Server Solution Architect

Our client is seeking an experienced Microsoft Windows Server Solution Architect to design, assess, and deliver solutions for complex client environments. This role will lead solution ideation, architecture, implementation, lifecycle planning, and technical assessments while clearly communicating recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This role is on a contractual-basis (C2C or 1099), *On-Demand 0-20 hours per week*, fully remote, 6 months project duration plus chance of extension, and will start immediately. Key Responsibilities & Qualifications: Deep, hands-on experience architecting and administering Windows Server 2012/2012 R2, 2016, 2019, and 2022 Strong expertise in Active Directory (AD DS), forests, domains, trusts, FSMO roles, replication, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, File & Print Services, DFS, and identity infrastructure Experience with Microsoft Hyper-V (standalone and clustered) and VMware vSphere, including Windows workload dependencies Understanding of SAN/NAS storage, backup integration, and high-availability architectures Strong knowledge of Windows Server security hardening, patch management, WSUS, legacy protocols/ciphers (SMBv1, NTLM, older TLS), and privileged access risks Experience assessing End-of-Support (EOS) and Extended Security Update (ESU) exposure and developing risk mitigation/compensating-control strategies Proven ability to conduct current-state assessments of Windows Server environments, identify application/middleware dependencies, upgrade blockers, and operational constraints Ability to develop lifecycle extension, consolidation, decommissioning, and upgrade-avoidance strategies Understanding of Windows Server dependencies with SQL Server, IIS, and enterprise applications, including OS-level impacts to stability, performance, and supportability Strong ability to map technical dependencies to commercial, pricing, risk, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) considerations Knowledge of Microsoft Unified Support economics and spend-based pricing models Working knowledge of Microsoft licensing, including Windows Server per-core/per-server models, Standard vs. Datacenter editions, and CAL requirements Strong knowledge of ESU eligibility, cost escalation, functional/security limitations, and lifecycle implications Ability to evaluate vendor maintenance vs. third-party support and accurately communicate support and cost trade-offs Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder-management skills Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and communicating complex technical concepts in simple business terms If this role role aligns with you - or someone who you know is qualified - please attach your most updated resume with a good phone number to reach you at. My colleague, Jordan, can send you a call and discuss the role in-length with you. Best regards, Brian from Pixie