Senior Broadcast Transmission Engineer

Description

Job Overview

The Senior Broadcast Transmission Engineer keeps the station"s transmission systems running - troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing transmitters, antennas, STLs, and associated RF equipment to ensure reliable on-air operation. This role serves as the station"s designated Chief Operator, performing routine equipment checks, logging readings, and ensuring the signal stays within FCC technical parameters at all times. Responsibilities include diagnosing and resolving transmission faults, coordinating tower and site maintenance, and planning equipment upgrades or replacements as systems age or fail. The role also directly supervises board operators - training them on proper procedures, covering shifts as needed, and handling scheduling and performance issues on the ground.

Responsibilities and Duties

Broadcast Engineering

·Maintain and troubleshoot transmitters, antennas, studio-transmitter links (STLs), audio consoles, and remote broadcast equipment

·Ensure continuous, high-quality on-air signal and streaming operations; respond promptly to outages, including after hours

·Oversee compliance with FCC rules, including EAS (Emergency Alert System), tower lighting, and licensing requirements

·Manage transmitter site visits, generator maintenance, and tower/facility inspections

·Plan and execute equipment upgrades, capital projects, and studio build-outs

·Maintain station technical files, records, logs, licenses, permits, authorizations and other required documentation including timely filing of license renewal and FCC Public File documents in conjunction with station management.

Leadership & Administration

·Supervise control room operators, and manage vendor and contractor relationships

·Research and recommend new technologies to improve efficiency, audio quality, and audience reach

·Maintain documentation of systems, technical procedures, and emergency protocols

·Serve as a technical liaison with other public media engineers, industry organizations (e.g., NPR, PBS, SBE), and regulatory bodies

Qualifications

·Proficiency in designing, installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing broadcast audio, and FM transmission automation and control systems

·Ability to understand and use schematics, flow charts and technical documentation

·Ability to troubleshoot and repair broadcast equipment

·Experience with basic TCP/IP networking

·Knowledge of FCC license and reporting requirements

·Valid driver’s license; position requires travel to remote transmitter sites

·Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., climb ladders, work in varied outdoor conditions on rooftops and in confined spaces

·Strong written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills

·A positive work attitude, a strong work ethic, and ability to work well with others

·Ability to prioritize and make changes to work plans without loss of efficiency

·Ability to make well-informed decisions quickly while under pressure

·Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks

·Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and non-standard shifts in emergency situations as required

·Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent experience in the maintenance, repair and design of broadcast audio systems and FM broadcast transmission systems

Starting Salary $68,000 + generous benefits package