Forward Deployed Engineer

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