Broadcast Field Engineer

About the role

The Broadcast Field Engineer is responsible for adjusting, testing, configuring, and commissioning Broadcast & IT systems, bringing projects to completion and ensuring quality. They must understand design, demonstrate installation and commissioning techniques, and be able to break large broadcast systems into subsystems. The role requires a solid technical background in video, audio, control, and data/networking.

The Broadcast Field Engineer will work closely with the Field Manager, Engineers, Lead Installers, and Project Managers to provide recommendations on installation standards, technologies, personnel, and implementation. Upon completion, the Engineer will provide redlined drawings and a commissioning report. In rare cases, they may act as Project Foreman.

Responsibilities

• Work with and advise design engineering during initial system design.
• Understand end-user functional requirements and configure systems to reflect intended design and client’s best interests.
• Attend drawing reviews and proactively identify areas of concern with system design, equipment integration, and end-user functionality needs.
• Work with the project manager and lead installer to create task lists for technicians.
• Perform signal tests to certify all cabling and ensure proper functionality.
• Program broadcast equipment (routers, switchers, mixers, CG, etc.) in fabrication facilities and at client sites.
• Communicate with clients, project managers, salespersons, and engineers to provide status updates, issues, and potential solutions.
• Work with on-site tech teams to identify and finalize punch list items.
• Compile system commissioning reports.
• Act as the final point of quality control to ensure deliverables meet safety and quality requirements.
• Perform employee and client training.
• Serve as a role model for other technicians by exhibiting high-quality work, work ethic, and a positive attitude.
• Work directly with subcontractors and third parties as necessary.
• Identify integration process inefficiencies and advocate for solutions.
• Provide technical support to Alpha employees and clients in areas of expertise.
• Pull, terminate, and label all types of broadcast video, audio, and control cabling.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Up to 70% travel, occasionally on a last-minute basis, for up to two weeks at a time.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a background check.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organization and ability to create, manage, prioritize, and complete task lists.
• Familiarity with construction and corporate job sites.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a team.
• Knowledge of broadcast A/V theory and IT networking.
• Ability to read and comprehend CAD drawings, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting audio, video, and IP signal flows.
• Excellent soldering and computer skills.
• Solid knowledge of system configurations and audio & video design theory.
• Ability to solve unusual or unexpected problems.

Preferred Experience

• Deploying and configuring ST 2110 IP media networks, PTP synchronization, boundary clocks, IP gateways, and IP video test and measurement equipment.
• Audio-over-IP signals such as Dante, AES67, AVB, and familiarity with IPTV systems.
• Broadcast equipment from Evertz, Ross, Imagine Communications, Sony, Grass Valley, Panasonic, JVC, EVS, and AJA (including routers, switchers, cameras, servers, etc.).
• Displays, including LCD, direct view LED, monitor walls, etc.
• Generating, testing, and measuring video signals (baseband SDI, component, composite/VBS, 2110-20, NDI, etc.).
• Generating, testing, and measuring audio signals (balanced/unbalanced, line/mic, MADI, AES, Dante, AES67, etc.).
• Ethernet traffic using Wireshark and general network troubleshooting.
• Engineering background (production truck, sports venue, integrator, news media, manufacturer).

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Additional advanced or product-specific certifications preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• AutoCAD, Visio, Bluebeam Revu experience preferred.

Certificates and Licenses

• SBE, CTS-I, or CTS-D certifications preferred.
• Additional broadcast and network certifications preferred.