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 nzkfMt3vMp