Role Description
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
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About Forward Deployed Engineering
Forward Deployed Engineers are embedded directly with customers to build custom solutions, integrate products into existing infrastructure, and bridge the gap between product engineering and customer success. The role combines deep technical skills with the ability to operate in client environments and translate business requirements into working software.
Originally pioneered by Palantir, the FDE model has spread across AI, enterprise SaaS, and cloud infrastructure companies. FDEs write production code, architect integrations, train customer teams, and feed product insights back to the core engineering organization. At companies like OpenAI, Salesforce, and Databricks, FDE teams are treated as elite engineering units that can ship custom solutions in days rather than quarters.
Typical FDE stack: Python, TypeScript, SQL, REST/GraphQL APIs, cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure), and increasingly LLM APIs and AI orchestration frameworks. Strong communication and the ability to context-switch between technical and business conversations are as important as coding ability.
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