Broadcast Operations Technician

About the role

WTAE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, PA, is seeking an experienced Broadcast Operations Technician to join our Engineering team. This position is responsible for delivering and monitoring the station’s on-air signals from content acquisition through distribution. The successful candidate will support both in-studio and remote production operations and report directly to the Assistant Chief Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage file-based broadcast workflows, including media preparation, playlist management, recording schedules, and robotic camera shot recall.
• Provide creative input and work with newscast producers and production crew.
• Staff the master control room to operate and monitor studio and transmission equipment, including:
  • Broadcast automation systems
  • Robotic cameras
  • Satellite downlinks
  • HD video servers
• Ensure the accurate execution of on-air playlists, commercial breaks, and programming.
• Perform floor directing duties during live and recorded productions, communicating effectively with anchors, reporters, and other on-air talent to ensure seamless coordination between the production control room and the studio.
• Operate and monitor news automation systems to ensure clean technical execution of the newscast.
• Monitor video and audio quality using waveform monitors, vectorscopes, and other quality control equipment to ensure broadcast standards are met.
• Quickly identify technical issues and communicate equipment problems promptly to Engineering staff to minimize operational disruptions.
• Support station operations during live broadcasts, special events, and remote productions.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues and respond effectively under time-sensitive conditions.
• Highly proficient with computers and comfortable learning new software and broadcast technologies.
• Understanding of newsroom ENPS and video playback systems.
• Technical know-how to resolve existing issues and to work around problems that arise during live newscasts.
• Experience with file-based media workflows and modern broadcast automation systems is strongly preferred.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and dependable transportation.
• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Able to lift and carry 50 lbs.

Preferred Experience

• Television control room and studio operations experience.
• Education or training in Broadcast Communications, Electronics, or a related technical field.
• Technical School degree, Electronics Certification, and/or Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certification.
• Military technical experience is welcomed and will be considered.