The Chief Engineer at Coastal Television of North Dakota LLC will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the technical operations of our broadcast television station. This position requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in broadcast engineering, ensuring the reliability and performance of all broadcast equipment, including transmitters, servers, studio equipment, and IT infrastructure. The Chief Engineer will play a critical role in maintaining FCC compliance, managing the engineering team, and ensuring that all technical operations are performed efficiently and effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management:
- Lead and manage the engineering team, including scheduling, performance evaluations, and professional development.
- Manage all engineering aspects of the technical facility including studio support, post editing systems, field production support, and transmission of live/taped events and programs.
- Ensure all engineering staff are trained in the latest technologies and safety procedures.
- Collaborate with other departments (news, production, IT) to ensure seamless technical operations.
- Keep the stations in compliance with FCC rules.
Technical Operations:
- Oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of all broadcast equipment, including transmitters, automation systems, studio equipment, IT infrastructure, and Master Control.
- Ensure all broadcast signals meet FCC regulations and maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
- Develop and manage preventive maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and ensure the reliability of broadcast operations.
- Oversee the design and implementation of new technical projects, including studio upgrades, transmitter installations, and IT network enhancements.
Budget and Inventory Management:
- Prepare and manage the engineering department’s budget, including capital expenditures, operating expenses, and resource allocation.
- Maintain inventory of all engineering equipment and parts, ensuring adequate stock levels for repairs and replacements.
- Negotiate with vendors for equipment purchases, service contracts, and other technical services.
Emergency Response and Troubleshooting:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all technical emergencies, including after-hours incidents.
- Troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues during live broadcasts or other critical operations.
- Develop and implement disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity if there are technical failures.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, broadcast engineering, information technology, or related fields.
Experience:
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in broadcast engineering, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Extensive experience with RF technology, video/audio production systems, automation systems, and IT networking.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in operating and maintaining broadcast transmitters, studio equipment, and automation systems.
- Strong knowledge of FCC regulations and compliance requirements.
- Experience with IP-based video/audio transport and streaming technologies.
- Familiarity with computer networking, server management, and IT security.
Certifications:
- SBE (Society of Broadcast Engineers) certification is preferred.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, as needed.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
