Forward Deployed Engineer

Breed Staffing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible schedule

Excellent work environment

Supportive leadership

Job summary

GPL Technologies in Los Angeles is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to join our team. The role embeds with client studios, on-site and remote, to deploy, integrate, and support GPL solutions in live production environments.

This hybrid position requires a versatile engineer who can act as a trusted advisor, translate production needs into technical solutions, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams while traveling to client sites in the greater Los Angeles area.

Qualifications

• Hands-on systems/infrastructure experience in client-facing or consulting roles.
• Cross-platform administration of Windows, Linux, and macOS systems.
• Scripting and automation using Python, Bash, or PowerShell.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, and integrate infrastructure and software solutions at client studios on-site.
• Serve as the embedded technical contact translating production needs into requirements.
• Own end-to-end escalations in fast-paced production environments.
• Automate deployments and workflows using scripting and configuration tools.
• Support secure remote workflows and compliance initiatives with TPN-aligned requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, security, and software services teams to deliver projects.
• Write documentation and runbooks for internal teams and client staff.
• Identify opportunities to improve client environments and propose solutions.

Skills

Windows

Linux

macOS administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / IT

Tools

Python

Bash

PowerShell

Job description

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 client 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.