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Head of Department – Systems Engineering (Animation & VFX)
Swaybox Studios
Location: New Orleans, LA – Onsite (Swaybox Studio)
Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves’ 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you’ll play a vital role in coordinating the artistry and logistics that bring bold visions to life. This is your chance to help lead a production that’s equal parts innovative and unforgettable.
Job Summary: Swaybox Studios is looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented Head of Systems Engineering to lead our technical infrastructure across animation and VFX pipelines. This role combines hands-on systems administration with departmental leadership, supporting complex creative workflows and ensuring that all technical services—from rendering to storage to network performance—run at peak efficiency.
You’ll oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the studio’s core systems, working closely with artists, developers, and production leadership to align infrastructure with evolving creative demands. This is a crucial position at the heart of our operations, especially as Swaybox partners with DC Comics on a visionary project set to transform the future of performance-driven storytelling.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Systems Engineering department, overseeing infrastructure across animation and VFX pipelines.
- Maintain and optimize studio-wide services including storage systems, render farms, networking, security, and backup workflows.
- Provide hands-on support for system installations, upgrades, and troubleshooting across multiple operating systems (Linux, Windows, macOS).
- Develop and enforce IT policies and best practices to ensure data security, reliability, and system uptime.
- Collaborate with production and department leads to assess technical requirements and plan for scalable infrastructure growth.
- Guide and mentor junior systems staff, fostering a proactive and service-oriented team culture.
- Evaluate and recommend new hardware/software solutions to keep the studio on the cutting edge of industry technology.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years in systems engineering or IT leadership within an animation, VFX, or post-production studio environment.
- Deep understanding of render pipelines, networking protocols, storage management, and virtualization technologies.
- Hands-on experience with Linux (CentOS/Ubuntu) and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
- Proficiency in configuring and maintaining services such as DNS, DHCP, LDAP, Active Directory, firewalls, and remote access.
- Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with render queue management (e.g., Deadline, OpenCue, Tractor).
- Familiarity with ShotGrid, Asset Management Systems, and pipeline tools used in animation/VFX production.
- Experience managing cloud-based or hybrid infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Knowledge of GPU rendering and high-performance computing environments.
- Ability to support remote/hybrid teams with secure and scalable solutions.
Why Join Swaybox Studios?
At Swaybox Studios, we believe that great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities.
We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.
Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Design, Engineering, and General Business
Industries: Animation and Post-production, Entertainment Providers, and Movies, Videos, and Sound
