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 solutions
Software 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 studio
Virtualization & Infrastructure Management
• Deploy, manage, and maintain virtualized environments using Proxmox and/or
VMware
• Monitor performance, resource allocation, and scalability of virtual machines and
containers
Scripting & Automation
• Develop and maintain scripts using PowerShell, Bash, and Python to streamline
operations and improve system performance
User 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 inventory
Security 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 compliance
Strategic 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 experience
Technical 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 optimization
Nice-to-Have Skills
• Familiarity with TPN/MPAA security compliance processes
• Experience with Snipe-IT Asset Management
• Knowledge of vulnerability scanning tools and technique