Broadcast Engineer

Broadcast Engineer

Full Time, Non-Exempt, IBEW covered

Reports to: Senior Director, Engineering

JOB OBJECTIVE

Perform preventive and corrective technical maintenance on all broadcast and production systems. Provide broadcast systems maintenance, installation and testing support as needed. This position involves year-round 24 hrs./7 days support of master control, studios control rooms, post production, and news editing. Primary facility hours of operation 8am to 9pm and include a flexible weekend rotation. The position is covered by an IBEW union contract and reports to the Senior Director of Engineering.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Daily routines include thorough check of all systems and addressing concerns of end users.
  • Support production facilities including production control rooms, studios, cameras, switchers, audio mixers, intercom, multiviewer systems, non-linear editing and server storage.
  • Support master control, studio to transmitter links and transmitters.
  • Upgrading software and maintaining broadcast networks.
  • Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

  • Broad based experience in television systems engineering and maintenance.
  • Hands on experience with production switchers, video and audio routers cameras, audio mixers, intercom systems, non-linear editing systems, frame synchronizers, broadcast graphics systems, master control automation.
  • Experience isolating and resolving hardware and software issues on a variety of equipment.
  • Working knowledge of modern file-based workflows common to news production, master control and long form post production.
  • Working knowledge of SMPTE2110 systems.
  • Working knowledge of networking for production environments, including firewall concepts. Cisco networking experience preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new equipment and systems and keep skills current in a constantly changing industry.
  • Must have experience delivering technical solutions in a deadline driven production environment, client skills a must.
  • Ability to document and read schematics and drawings. Autocad experience preferred.
  • Strong understanding and application of computer technology to efficiently accomplish work, using Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet, and database management software.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license with good driving record and should be able to lift up to 50 lbs of equipment and carry for one city block with or without accommodation.
  • Must be available for shift work including evenings, weekends and holidays. Emergency maintenance work may require callback and overtime.
  • Self-starter highly motivated and must work well under pressure without direct supervision.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum 5 years related experience in television broadcast and production systems.
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LOCATION

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously.

Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.

We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.

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