LAIKA Studios is Hiring: Systems Administrator

At LAIKA Studios , we don’t just make movies; we create cinematic landmarks. LAIKA Studios films are defined by a unique fusion of handcrafted stop-motion artistry and groundbreaking technical innovation. Behind every frame of our Academy Award-nominated films lies a complex ecosystem of technology that must function flawlessly, 24/7. To ensure our creative teams have the tools they need to bring these worlds to life, we are seeking a highly skilled Systems Administrator to join our team in Hillsboro, Oregon.

The LAIKA Difference

LAIKA Studios is a studio where engineering is treated with the same creative rigor as animation. We understand that our technical infrastructure is the foundation upon which our artists build their magic. As a Systems Administrator here, you aren’t just maintaining a network—you are supporting the production-critical workflows of some of the most talented filmmakers and artists in the world. We offer an environment that celebrates technical problem-solving, values creative collaboration, and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in feature film production.

The Role: Your Technical Impact

As our Systems Administrator, you will be the frontline defender of our studio’s technical health. You will wear many hats, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term infrastructure support. This role is perfect for a detail-oriented technologist who thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where the “show must go on.”

Your work will be multifaceted, spanning user support, security management, and backend systems maintenance. You will be responsible for ensuring that our production-critical applications and devices are always performing at peak efficiency, allowing our artists to focus entirely on their craft.

Quick Job Summary : Systems Administrator

Details

LAIKA Studios

Systems Administrator

Hillsboro, OR (On-Site)

3+ years in Linux, macOS, & Windows

Automation (Salt/Ansible), Scripting, MDM

Key Responsibilities as Systems Administrator

Your daily contributions will be vital to the seamless operation of our studio:

• Frontline Support: Provide high-touch technical support for a diverse range of hardware, including desktops, mobile devices, and production workstations. You will be the primary point of contact for resolving complex technical issues across the studio.
• Ticket Management: Maintain a high level of responsiveness by managing our IT ticketing system. Your goal is to provide consistent, timely, and professional service to our entire production staff.
• Device Lifecycle Management: Utilize modern MDM tools (such as JAMF and Intune) to oversee device security, configuration, and maintenance.
• Infrastructure Support: Work in close collaboration with our Systems Engineering team to support server operations and network integrity. You will be comfortable working in server rooms, managing hardware installations, and troubleshooting connectivity issues.
• Process Improvement: We are always looking for ways to work smarter. You will be responsible for creating documentation, developing user training materials, and researching new tools or workflows that can enhance our studio’s efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with technical and production departments to ensure that our IT solutions align with the specific needs of our filmmaking pipelines.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a technologist who combines deep technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills. To be successful at LAIKA, you should possess:

• Diverse Experience: A minimum of 3+ years of professional experience managing and supporting mixed environments including Linux, macOS, and Windows .
• Technical Proficiency: Strong familiarity with automation and configuration management tools (such as Salt or Ansible) and proficiency in scripting languages like Shell, Python, or Ruby to automate manual tasks.
• Enterprise Experience: Familiarity with Azure AD, Office 365, and Exchange is highly preferred.
• Communication: Exceptional problem-solving and communication skills. You need the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical creative staff.
• Adaptive Mindset: The ability to work independently, manage your own time, and remain calm and effective in a deadline-driven environment.

Why Join LAIKA?

Working at LAIKA means becoming part of a community of innovators. We provide a workspace where your technical expertise is directly tied to the success of world-class storytelling. We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and the unique opportunity to work in a studio where art and engineering are perfectly balanced.

How to Apply

If you are ready to apply your technical skills to the art of filmmaking, we want to hear from you. Apply now to join our team of innovators and help shape the technology behind unforgettable stories.

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