What are the responsibilities and job description for the Systems Administrator – Systems Engineering (Animation & VFX Industry) position at Bellwether Technology?
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 studio’s evolving
needs
Qualifications
Experience
● 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 technique
