IT Assistant (Animation)

Reporting to the Senior IT Manager, the IT Assistant provides technical and administrative support for Powerhouse Animation Studio's production and studio teams. Working under the guidance of the Senior IT Manager, this role assists with day-to-day technical support, workstation setup, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and basic troubleshooting to help keep artists and staff productive.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is curious, dependable, and excited to learn. Previous IT experience is not required. We're more interested in finding someone with strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A desire to learn and ask questions when they don't know the answer.
• Patience and professionalism when assisting artists and staff with technical issues.
• Practical problem-solving skills with a focus on simple, effective solutions.
• Good judgment when deciding whether to resolve an issue independently or escalate it.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to support the team wherever needed.

Position Details

• Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Employment
• Location: Austin area; Occasional travel to the studio required
• Compensation: $50,000.00 - 55,000.00 per year
• Contract Dates: October 5, 2026 - September 15, 2028
• Potential for Extension: This position is expected to conclude at the end of the current series production. Depending on future production needs and fit, there may be opportunities to extend employment.

• Provide Tier 1 technical support for artists and studio staff.
• Troubleshoot and resolve common workstation and software issues, escalating more complex problems to the Senior IT Manager when appropriate.
• Monitor render farms and assist with routine maintenance, configuration checks, and identifying common render issues.
• Perform basic preventative onsite maintenance on studio workstations, including cleaning equipment and organizing hardware.
• Assist with workstation deployment, setup, and configuration for new hires and production staff.
• Perform basic hardware troubleshooting for monitors, keyboards, mice, headsets, storage devices, and other peripherals.
• Assist with graphics updates, Windows configuration, and routine software troubleshooting.
• Assist with inventory management by maintaining accurate records of computer hardware, peripherals, software licenses, and other IT assets.
• Organize equipment, accessories, cables, storage devices, and recyclable electronics.
• Remove, label, and organize storage drives from decommissioned equipment.
• Assist with conference room and remote meeting technology setup and troubleshooting.
• Help maintain organized IT workspaces and equipment storage areas.
• Follow established IT procedures and document completed work.
• Recognize when technical issues require escalation and communicate them promptly to the Senior IT Manager.
• Perform other technical and administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Familiarity with Windows operating systems.
• Proficiency using Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including After Effects, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace.
• Basic understanding of computer hardware components such as RAM, storage drives, power supplies, graphics cards, and peripheral devices.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple requests while remaining calm and professional.
• Ability to lift and move computer equipment (up to approximately 40 pounds).
• Ability to travel to the Powerhouse Austin office as needed.
• Familiarity with Toon Boom Harmony, Storyboard Pro, and Clip Studio Paint preferred but not required.

Benefits We Offer

• Comprehensive medical coverage (including HSA options)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary coverage options
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Supplemental benefits, including accident and hospital indemnity coverage
• Wellness programs, including telemedicine and chronic care support
• Company Paid Holidays
• Paid and Sick Time Off
• 401K Contributions with up to a 4% Company Match after 90 days of employment

Powerhouse Animation Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility as required by law. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Powerhouse Animation Studios also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws with regard to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.