What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Department - Systems Engineering (Animation & VFX Industry) position at Bellwether Technology?
Job Description
Job Description
Salary : About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Head of Systems Engineering to lead
our technical operations in the animation and VFX industry. This role combines hands-on
systems administration expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring the effective
delivery of critical infrastructure and services to support our creative workflows.
The ideal candidate will have 5 years of experience in a similar role, a proven track record of
team management, and deep technical knowledge of systems optimization and security. You
will act as a strategic partner to production and creative leadership, driving innovation and
efficiency while maintaining operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities :
Leadership & Departmental Oversight
Oversee the Systems Administration team, ensuring alignment with studio objectives
Set departmental goals, track performance, and provide mentorship to team members
Develop and manage budgets for IT infrastructure, software, and hardware needs
Collaborate with production, creative, and IT teams to identify and implement
scalable solutions
Software Administration
Manage, install, and troubleshoot Autodesk, Adobe, and Foundry products
Administer RLV and FlexLM licensing systems to ensure uninterrupted access for
users
Network & Firewall Management
Configure, monitor, and maintain Fortinet firewalls
Manage Arista switches, VLAN configurations, and routing for high-performance
networking
Optimize WiFi technology for seamless connectivity across the studio
Virtualization & Infrastructure Management
Deploy, manage, and maintain virtualized environments using Proxmox and / or
VMware
Monitor performance, resource allocation, and scalability of virtual machines and
containers
Scripting & Automation
Develop and maintain scripts using PowerShell, Bash, and Python to streamline
operations and improve system performance
User and Asset Management
Oversee Active Directory, including user accounts, group policies, and permissions
Implement and maintain Snipe-IT Asset Management for tracking hardware and
software inventory
Security Compliance & Vulnerability Management
Perform regular vulnerability scans and implement remediation strategies
Lead the studio in achieving and maintaining TPN (Trusted Partner Network) or
MPAA (Motion Picture Association) security compliance
Strategic Initiatives
Research and recommend new technologies to enhance studio operations and
creative workflows
Establish best practices for systems administration to support the studios evolving
needs
Qualifications :
5 years as a Systems Administrator or Head of Systems in the animation, VFX, or
creative industries
At least 2 years of leadership or team management experience
Technical Skills
Proficiency with Autodesk, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Foundry software
Hands-on experience with RLV and FlexLM licensing systems
Strong knowledge of Fortinet firewalls and Arista networking, including VLANs and
routing
Scripting abilities in PowerShell, Bash, and Python
Familiarity with Active Directory, including group policies and user account
management
Understanding of WiFi technologies and optimization
Nice-to-Have Skills
Familiarity with TPN / MPAA security compliance processes
Experience with Snipe-IT Asset Management
Knowledge of vulnerability scanning tools and techniques
What We Offer
Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunity to lead a talented team in a creative and collaborative environment
Professional development and training opportunities
Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
