Systems Administrator – Systems Engineering (Animation & VFX Industry)

Job Position(s): Systems Administrator – Systems Engineering (Animation & VFX Industry)

 

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Head of Systems Engineering to lead our technical operations in the animation and VFX industry. This role combines hands-on systems administration expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring the effective delivery of critical infrastructure and services to support our creative workflows. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in a similar role, a proven track record of team management, and deep technical knowledge of systems optimization and security. You will act as a strategic partner to production and creative leadership, driving innovation and efficiency while maintaining operational excellence. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Departmental Oversight ● Oversee the Systems Administration team, ensuring alignment with studio objectives● Set departmental goals, track performance, and provide mentorship to team members● Develop and manage budgets for IT infrastructure, software, and hardware needs● Collaborate with production, creative, and IT teams to identify and implement scalable solutionsSoftware Administration● Manage, install, and troubleshoot Autodesk, Adobe, and Foundry products● Administer RLV and FlexLM licensing systems to ensure uninterrupted access for users Network & Firewall Management ● Configure, monitor, and maintain Fortinet firewalls● Manage Arista switches, VLAN configurations, and routing for high-performance networking● Optimize WiFi technology for seamless connectivity across the studioVirtualization & Infrastructure Management● Deploy, manage, and maintain virtualized environments using Proxmox and/or VMware● Monitor performance, resource allocation, and scalability of virtual machines and containersScripting & Automation● Develop and maintain scripts using PowerShell, Bash, and Python to streamline operations and improve system performanceUser and Asset Management● Oversee Active Directory, including user accounts, group policies, and permissions● Implement and maintain Snipe-IT Asset Management for tracking hardware and software inventorySecurity Compliance & Vulnerability Management● Perform regular vulnerability scans and implement remediation strategies● Lead the studio in achieving and maintaining TPN (Trusted Partner Network) or MPAA (Motion Picture Association) security complianceStrategic Initiatives● Research and recommend new technologies to enhance studio operations and creative workflows● Establish best practices for systems administration to support the studio’s evolving needs Qualifications Experience ● 5+ years as a Systems Administrator or Head of Systems in the animation, VFX, or creative industries● At least 2 years of leadership or team management experienceTechnical Skills● Proficiency with Autodesk, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Foundry software● Hands-on experience with RLV and FlexLM licensing systems● Strong knowledge of Fortinet firewalls and Arista networking, including VLANs and routing● Scripting abilities in PowerShell, Bash, and Python● Familiarity with Active Directory, including group policies and user account management● Understanding of WiFi technologies and optimizationNice-to-Have Skills● Familiarity with TPN/MPAA security compliance processes● Experience with Snipe-IT Asset Management● Knowledge of vulnerability scanning tools and technique