Broadcast Engineer – East Operations Lead
$54,104–$60,867 year
On-sitePullman, Washington, United States
Job Summary
Maintain broadcast infrastructure, including studio-to-transmitter links, satellite reception systems, and Emergency Alert System equipment to meet operational and regulatory requirements. Operate, maintain, and support broadcast technologies such as Audio-over-IP networks, radio automation systems, FM/AM transmission systems, and centralized routing platforms. Install, configure, and upgrade radio studio equipment, including AoIP servers, network switches, audio consoles, and signal processors. Manage assigned broadcast facilities to ensure operational continuity through oversight of transmitter sites, emergency power systems, and preventative maintenance activities. Provide technical leadership by coordinating installations, troubleshooting efforts, and training for engineering staff and vendors. Administer network infrastructure supporting broadcast operations, including servers, switches, and IP-based systems. Travel throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to support engineering projects and emergency response.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree and three (3) years professional experience OR a combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years from which comparable knowledge and abilities are acquired
- Demonstrated experience installing, operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing radio broadcast transmission, studio, and associated technical systems
- Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations applicable to broadcast operations, including technical compliance, logging, licensing, and operational standards
- Proven experience troubleshooting and maintaining complex broadcast infrastructure, including RF transmission systems, AoIP networks, automation systems, audio processing, IP networking, and related broadcast technologies
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose, prioritize, and resolve complex technical issues in a timely and effective manner
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound technical judgment, prioritize competing responsibilities, and manage multiple projects in a dynamic operational environment
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate successfully with engineering staff, information technology professionals, vendors, contractors, and non-technical stakeholders
- Demonstrated technical leadership experience, including coordinating projects, mentoring or training technical staff, and providing guidance during system installations, upgrades, and troubleshooting activities
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout Washington and areas of Oregon, and Idaho to support engineering projects, emergency response, preventative maintenance, and technical operations
- Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver's license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards
- Ability to safely travel to and work at remote transmitter facilities under varying terrain and weather conditions
Desired Qualifications
- Experience supporting AoIP systems, radio automation systems, centralized audio routing, and HD Radio (IBOC) transmission technologies
- Demonstrated knowledge of RF theory, transmission lines, antenna systems, propagation principles, and broadcast signal measurement techniques
- Experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting FM and AM broadcast transmitters, including high-power RF systems, associated support equipment, and electronic test instruments
- Experience with satellite reception and distribution systems, Emergency Alert System (EAS) equipment, remote-control and telemetry systems, and studio-to-transmitter links (STLs)
- Experience administering or supporting IP-based broadcast networks, including managed switches, VLANs, routing, network diagnostics, and cybersecurity best practices
- Experience supporting Windows and/or Linux server environments used for broadcast automation, audio routing, monitoring, or other mission-critical broadcast applications
- Experience planning or leading technical projects involving broadcast system integration, equipment replacement, facility upgrades, or infrastructure modernization
- Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) certification (e.g., Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer (CBRE), Certified Broadcast Technologist, or Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT), or the ability to obtain certification)
- Experience working in a public broadcasting, educational broadcasting, or multi-station broadcast network environment
- Experience supporting centralized broadcast origination, content distribution, or network operations serving multiple transmitter sites
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