Forward Deployed Engineer
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.
About 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.
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
Requirements
- 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
Core Values
- We take care of each other and our clients
- Agility is our edge
- Creative problem solvers
- Cool under pressure
- Clarity, Confidence, Commitment