Forward Deployed Engineer

GPL Technologies; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible work schedule

Exposure to leading studios

Job summary

GPL Technologies is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer in Los Angeles. You will embed with client studios, delivering GPL solutions on-site and remotely, and act as the technical face ofGPL during live productions.

You’ll own end-to-end delivery, work across Windows, Linux, and macOS, automate workflows, and collaborate with security and software teams to meet production needs. A Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years’ experience are required.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on systems or infrastructure engineering experience

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, and integrate infrastructure and software on-site at client studios (storage, workstations, render, networking, cloud)
• Serve as embedded technical contact for assigned clients and translate production needs into technical requirements
• Own escalations end-to-end in fast-paced production environments across Windows, Linux, and macOS
• Automate deployments and repetitive workflows using scripting and configuration management tools
• Support secure remote workflows and TPN-aligned security/compliance initiatives at client sites
• Collaborate with GPL teams to deliver projects and feed client insights back into our solutions
• Write documentation and runbooks for internal teams and client staff
• Identify opportunities to improve client environments and proactively recommend solutions

Skills

Windows administration

Linux administration

macOS administration

Scripting (Python,Bash,PowerShell)

Networking fundamentals

Documentation and writing

Client-facing experience

Autonomy

Travel to LA area

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/IT or equivalent

Tools

SAN/NAS storage

Virtualization

Ansible/Terraform (basic familiarity)

Job description

Forward Deployed Engineer

Los Angeles, CA — Hybrid / Client On-Site

ABOUT US

Since 2003, GPL Technologies has helped studios around the world run faster, more reliable production environments. Trusted by 500+ studios in media, entertainment, post-production, and VFX, our team of engineers, consultants, and specialists understands the real pressure of creative deadlines. Our services span managed IT, software services, security & compliance (TPN), cloud, and production-ready technical staffing.

THE ROLE

GPL Technologies is looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer to be the technical face of GPL inside our clients' studios. You'll embed directly with client teams — on-site and remote — to deploy, integrate, and support GPL solutions in live production environments. This is a hybrid role for someone who is equal parts systems engineer, problem solver, and trusted advisor: comfortable owning technical delivery end-to-end while building strong relationships with client stakeholders, from artists and production staff to studio technology leadership.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deploy, configure, and integrate infrastructure and software solutions on-site at client studios (storage, workstations, render, networking, cloud)
• Serve as the primary embedded technical contact for assigned clients, translating production needs into technical requirements and workable solutions
• Own escalations end-to-end in fast-paced production environments, diagnosing and resolving complex issues across Windows, Linux, and Mac ecosystems
• Automate deployments and repetitive workflows using scripting and configuration management tools
• Support secure remote workflows, TPN-aligned security requirements, and compliance initiatives at client sites
• Collaborate with GPL's engineering, security, and software services teams to deliver projects and feed client insights back into our solutions
• Write clear documentation and runbooks for both internal teams and client staff
• Identify opportunities to improve client environments and proactively recommend solutions

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

• 4+ years of hands-on systems or infrastructure engineering experience, ideally in client-facing or consulting roles
• Strong cross-platform skills: Windows, Linux, and macOS administration
• Scripting/automation proficiency (Python, Bash, or PowerShell)
• Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls, VPN)Experience with virtualization and storage technologies (SAN/NAS)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills — you can explain technical decisions to artists, producers, and CTOs alike
• Self-starter who thrives with autonomy, ambiguity, and aggressive deadlines
• Ability to travel to client sites in the greater Los Angeles area; occasional after-hours support during critical production windows
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or equivalent work experience

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience in media & entertainment, post-production, or VFX environments
• Familiarity with production storage and workflows (Avid, Autodesk Flow/ShotGrid, Deadline, high-performance storage)
• Cloud experience (AWS preferred), including hybrid production workflows
• Configuration management / IaC experience (Ansible, Terraform)
• TPN, MPA, or studio security compliance exposure
• MSP or multi-client support background

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation
• Flexible work schedule
• Excellent work environment with exposure to leading studios and cutting-edge production technology
• Supportive and progressive staff and leadership

GPL CORE VALUES

• We take care of each other and our clients
• Agility is our edge
• Creative problem solvers
• Cool under pressure
• Clarity, Confidence, Commitment