Director Engineering

About the role

WJBK FOX 2 Detroit is seeking an experienced Director of Engineering to lead the station's Engineering Department. This position is responsible for the maintenance, reliability, security, technical compliance, and strategic development of the infrastructure and systems that support the station's broadcast, production, transmission, and digital platforms. The Director of Engineering will provide leadership to the engineering team while partnering with Broadcast Operations, IT, station leadership, and TVHO Engineering on technology initiatives and infrastructure planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Engineering Department, providing direction, coaching, training, and performance management
• Ensure the reliable operation, maintenance, and repair of all broadcast, production, transmission, newsroom, and facility technical systems
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance programs, equipment lifecycle planning, and technical documentation
• Oversee station transmission facilities and technical compliance programs, ensuring adherence to FCC regulations, EAS requirements, CALM Act standards, ATSC requirements, and other applicable industry standards
• Maintain emergency preparedness programs, including backup power systems, disaster recovery plans, and annual operational testing
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure broadcast systems comply with FOX cybersecurity, networking, and technology standards
• Identify root causes of technical issues and implement corrective actions to improve operational reliability
• Consult with the VP of Engineering/Operations on engineering operating and capital budgets, including equipment lifecycle planning, capital projects, and technology investments
• Coordinate equipment purchases, vendor relationships, service contracts, and capital projects
• Oversee maintenance of critical facility infrastructure, including generators, UPS systems, HVAC systems supporting technical operations, and related building systems
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Partner with TVHO Engineering and station leadership on technology initiatives, engineering standards, capital planning, infrastructure improvements, and system implementations

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in television broadcast engineering, media technology, production technology, information technology, or a related technical field
• Experience leading technical teams and managing complex broadcast, production, transmission, or IT systems
• Strong troubleshooting, project management, organizational, and communication skills
• Working knowledge of broadcast, production, networking, and file-based media technologies
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, live production environment and respond to operational issues as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of television broadcast engineering experience with increasing levels of responsibility
• Leadership experience in a television station, network, production facility, or similar media environment
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Broadcast Technology, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with broadcast transmission systems, FCC compliance, EAS, ATSC standards, and digital media workflows
• Knowledge of broadcast automation, newsroom systems, IP-based media infrastructure, enterprise networking, virtualization, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity practices
• SBE certification or other relevant industry certifications

Pay

• $120,000.00–135,000.00 annually, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location
• Eligible for an annual discretionary bonus

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents