Desktop Support Engineer

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We work on projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series, and Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.

About the Role

The Desktop Support Engineer (DSE) is responsible for providing user helpdesk support and maintaining the production desktop systems. You will ensure helpdesk requests are addressed timely and escalated appropriately while troubleshooting base computer hardware and OS issues as well as VFX software issues. Your key tasks include installing, configuring, operating, and maintaining system hardware for client workstations, render farm nodes, storage, networking, and other infrastructure. You must keep workstation images up to date and manage user onboarding/offboarding, accounts, access rights, and inventory. You will also carry out technical research and testing, and implement improvements when deficiencies are identified.

• WDS, WSUS: Install and deploy new and/or rebuild existing workstations, configure hardware, peripherals, services, and settings in accordance with standards and project/operational requirements.
• Ownership: Ensure all facets of deployments are completed properly, including workstation patching, UPS allocation, and provisioning of appropriate peripheral equipment.
• Experience with MDM solutions (e.g. Jamf, Kandji, Mosyle, or similar).
• Knowledge of macOS deployment, imaging, and OS upgrades.
• Understanding of security best practices on macOS (updates, access control, encryption).
• Organisation: Ensure onboarding and off‑boarding is performed according to procedure and continuously improve the processes and tools toward that goal. Ensure that Active Directory objects are correctly located within OU structure and related documentation is maintained accurately.
• Troubleshooting ActiveDirectory, FreeNas: Identify workstation issues, along with server and/or network‑services issues. Participate in troubleshooting for internally developed applications, as well as problem resolution for VFX applications such as Nuke and Maya.
• Diligence: Maintain & update both the asset management systems for hardware & software assets and DevOps wiki resource, ensuring accuracy for the end of week and prepare monthly reporting for other business units.
• Bacula, BareOS, ZFS replication: Schedule testing of backup systems to ensure confidence in the system.
• Support: Physical security systems and ensure proper functioning, both in‑house and cloud application configuration and usage, asset tagging and tracking data to ensure best management of computing resources.
• Perform periodic performance reporting to support capacity planning.
• Participate in supporting other team initiatives.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.
• Proven experience providing desktop support for macOS (OS X) in a professional or studio environment.
• Strong understanding of Apple hardware (MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio) and common peripherals.
• Experience with macOS troubleshooting, including user accounts, permissions, networking, and performance issues.
• Familiarity with Apple ecosystem tools (iCloud, Time Machine, FileVault, Keychain).
• Experience supporting creative software on macOS (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud, animation or VFX tools).

Qualifications

• Formal education and/or certification in computer systems preferred – such as A+ credentials.
• Experience supporting users in a fast‑paced creative or production environment.
• Comfortable supporting hybrid or remote macOS and Windows users.
• Experience in Media/VFX or high‑throughput computing environments preferred.
• Solid experience and fluency in Linux and Windows required. Experience or background with Linux systems is preferred.
• Two to Four years system helpdesk experience in a Media/Entertainment environment.
• Experience with Visual Effects applications strongly preferred; these applications include Nuke, Maya, Houdini, After Effects, and Tractor.
• Experience administering Active Directory.
• Working knowledge of basic TCP/IP and its standard administration (DNS, DHCP/Static, etc.) required.
• Basic experience with Layer 1–3 networking required, including configuration of static IP addresses, configuration of switches, standard cabling and patching (copper/fiber) techniques and ability to make cables.
• Good understanding of VLANs and basic firewall operations.
• Experience with floating license servers (FlexLM, RLM, etc.).
• RHEL and/or Windows, and/or CCNA certification preferred.
• Basic scripting experience in Bash, Windows CMD/PowerShell, or Python.

Benefits

• We work on some pretty cool projects – check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/.
• We have an industry‑leading studio space in Alexandria, complete with a cinema, quiet room, Zen Garden, games room, and state‑of‑the‑art animation facilities.
• Breakfast is served daily – on us!
• We have cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & a culture club dedicated to coordinating our busy social calendar.
• The Barkers have big hearts too, with our Paws for a Cause fundraising arm raising much‑needed funds for charities such as Beyond Blue, RSPCA, and the Cancer Council.
• We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio.
• We have a hybrid approach to work with flexible work‑from‑home days on offer.
• Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.
• Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced – everyone is welcome and celebrated!
• You’ll have access to mental health resources and free counselling via our Employee Assistance Provider Support Act.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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