Senior Systems / Network Administrator (Windows & Networking)

YOUR ROLE

Spanning three sites—two in Montreal and one in Quebec City (main Studio)—we operate a Linux-heavy production pipeline with Maxon Redshift for GPU rendering. We’re seeking a Windows-focused Senior Systems/Network Administrator to optimize our environment, collaborate with vendors, and scale our data infrastructure while maintaining top-notch security.

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Windows Server Upgrades & Management

   • Upgrade and maintain Windows Servers (2016/2019/2022)—AD, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy;

   • Ensure high availability, security, and peak performance in a cross-platform environment.

2. Networking Leadership

   • Oversee multi-site connectivity (three locations);

   • Lead the migration to higher-performance switches, configure VLANs, VPNs, routing, and firewalls for secure, high-speed data transfers.

3. Virtualization & Backup Administration

   • Manage virtual servers and plan for a future VDI rollout;

   • Refine backup/DR strategies to guarantee business continuity for high-volume rendering and data workflows.

4. Storage Expansion & Linux Collaboration

   • Team up with Linux & Storage experts to expand 1.6 PB to 5–6x capacity—supporting massive GPU rendering (Maxon Redshift) within the same data center footprint;

   • Work closely with the Senior Linux Administrator to synchronize Windows-Linux workflows, ensuring peak efficiency.

5. Security & Compliance

   • Participate in industry-standard audits (TPN, MPAA, ISO, etc.), reinforcing best practices for patch management, access controls, and firewall policies;

   • Identify and remediate vulnerabilities across Windows, network devices, and integrated systems.

6. Vendor Interaction & Cost Optimization

   • Interface with vendors (hardware, software, network) for purchasing, support escalations;

   • Propose and implement cost-effective solutions—optimizing hardware licensing, improving resource usage, and planning scalable upgrades.

7. Mentorship & Team Coordination

   • Advise and mentor Technical Support Specialists, sharing Windows/networking expertise;

   • Collaborate with creative, rendering, and production teams to address evolving project needs and large-scale asset workflows.

YOU ARE

• Autonomous;

• Good communicator;

• A leader;

• Innovative;

• Able to work under pressure;

• Analytical;

• Able to solve complex problems;

• Comfortable working with external partners for hardware/software acquisition, escalations and negotiations;

• Bilingual (French and English).

YOU HAVE

• 7+ years in Windows server/networking roles, ideally with multi-site support;

• Proven track record upgrading/managing Windows Server (2016/2019/2022), plus VMware experience;

• Experience with Dell/Arista switches, VLANs, VPNs, Fortigate, and routing protocols;

• Experience designing backup solutions and leading DR tests;

• Good understanding of Maxon Redshift, HPC loads, or similar performance-intensive environments;

• Exposure to TPN, MPAA, ISO, or other compliance frameworks; solid patch management.

Why Join Us?

• Cutting-Edge Tech: Fortigate firewalls, Arista switches, multi-PetaBytes storage expansions, and VMware—experience it all under one roof.

• Creative Environment: You’ll power the pipeline for Maxon Redshift GPU rendering, enabling our artists to push the boundaries of animation.

• Cross-Platform Team: Your Windows expertise complements a Linux-focused environment—truly a best-of-both-worlds scenario.

• High-Impact Projects: Lead critical upgrades, secure multi-site networks, and ensure data resiliency for a global audience of animation fans.