Jr. Desktop Engineering Specialist (Student Position)

Temporary Full Time

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This is a student position that is 4 months in duration for the term: January – April. You must be a student registered in a Canadian College or University.

This position is for students returning to school after their work term or requiring a placement as requirements for graduation. While not required, preference will be given to students enrolled in a registered Co-op program.

Applicants are required to submit both their resume and their most recent unofficial transcript as part of the application process.

We are looking for a Jr. Desktop Engineering Specialist student who is passionate about building, supporting, and modernizing desktop and endpoint environments that enable employees to work securely and efficiently.

Leveraging your technical curiosity and growing skillset, you will help support and evolve our desktop engineering capabilities as we continue transforming the end-user computing landscape. This role plays a key part in supporting our digital workplace vision, delivering secure, reliable, and modern desktop services that meet evolving business and customer expectations.

As part of a collaborative Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) Desktop Engineering team, you will work closely with other Digital Technology teams to support cloud adoption, application modernization, and operational excellence.

You will gain exposure to enterprise scale desktop engineering practices, including endpoint management, security compliance, automation, and agile delivery. Working in an environment where requirements evolve, you will learn how desktop services are designed, delivered, and supported in a large organization while contributing to continuous improvement and production support activities.

What You’ll Do

• Install, configure, update, and deploy desktop and virtual machine hardware and software
• Support and maintain desktop management platforms and infrastructure, including endpoints, servers, and related services
• Monitor and optimize desktop and virtual machine performance, reliability, and security
• Troubleshoot and resolve desktop and virtual machine incidents and service requests in a timely and professional manner
• Assist with endpoint security controls, patching, and licensing compliance
• Provide guidance and support to end-users on desktop applications, tools, and best practices
• Contribute to documentation, standards, and inventory management for desktop services
• Collaborate with internal IT teams and vendors to ensure stable and reliable desktop operations
• Participate in agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand‑ups, reviews, and retrospectives
• Use agile tools (e.g., Jira or Azure DevOps) to help manage and track work
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on modernizing desktop services

What You’ll Be Working With

You may gain experience with several of the following technologies or practices (experience in all is not required):

Endpoint & Desktop Technologies

• Windows desktop operating systems
• Microsoft Office 365 and enterprise productivity tools
• Physical and virtual desktop environments

Endpoint Management & Cloud Tools

• Microsoft Intune and MECM (SCCM)
• Azure and cloud-based endpoint services
• Group Policy and device configuration frameworks

Security & Networking Concepts

• Endpoint security tools (antivirus, encryption, firewalls, access controls)
• Desktop networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS)
• Security compliance and licensing controls

Automation & Ways of Working

• Scripting and automation (PowerShell are an asset)
• Agile delivery methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
• Agile tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps
• Documentation and collaboration tools

What You Bring

• Currently enrolled in your second year or higher of a post-secondary degree or diploma in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
• Foundational knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office 365, Active Directory, Intune, SCCM, and Azure
• Familiarity with desktop management tools such as Intune, MECM, and Group Policy
• Understanding of desktop security tools (antivirus, firewall, encryption, web content filtering, access controls)
• Knowledge of desktop networking concepts (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS)
• Ability to script or automate tasks (PowerShell experience is an asset)
• Exposure to agile methodologies and tools (Scrum, Kanban, Jira, Azure DevOps)
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly
• Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative, solving skills and a collaborative, team focused mindset
• Ability to manage priorities, learn quickly, and adapt in an evolving technical environment

Why Join Us

• Gain hands-on experience supporting enterprise desktop and endpoint services used across the organization and experience supporting enterprise desktop and endpoint services used across the organization
• Learn how modern desktop environments are designed, secured, and supported at scale
• Work with cloud based and endpoint management technologies in a ‑based and endpoint management technologies in a real-world environment
• Collaborate with experienced engineers and cross functional technology teams
• Develop practical skills in automation, security, and agile delivery
• Contribute to initiatives that improve employee digital experience and operational excellence

#StudentsNewGrads

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The base salary for this position is between $XX,XXX - $XX,XXX annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation ( i.e. annual bonus, commission etc). If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.

For our student opportunities, the base salary will be dependent on the number of work terms you have completed along with other factors depending on your program.

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Grow with Canada Life

We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.

We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you!

What we offer:

We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member:

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.

• Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.

• Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day. 

• Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.

• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
• Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.

Learn more about Canada Life.

We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.

Canada Lifewould like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.