Chief Engineer

KSMQ Public Television is a non-profit broadcaster that provides essential media content and other services to over 700,000 residents in 22 counties in southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa and we are seeking a Chief Engineer!

Help us grow and we will help you grow! 

Role Overview: The Chief Engineer at KSMQ, will work with the Station Manager in overseeing the technical operations for television broadcasting, digital media and streaming ensuring optimal functionality and innovation across multiple platforms. The role of a Chief Engineer is hands on, multifaceted and crucial for ensuring the smooth technical operations of the station's equipment and systems. The role involves overseeing RF transmission, broadcast technology, digital media, and streaming services to maintain cutting-edge capabilities. The Chief Engineer plays a pivotal role in maintaining technical integrity, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving innovation to enhance capabilities. The Chief Engineer needs expertise in managing both traditional and digital broadcasting landscapes plays a critical role in maintaining the technical integrity and efficiency of a station's operations, ensuring seamless content delivery across multiple platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• This is a hands-on role, responsible for technical aspects of the station, including broadcast equipment, RF transmission systems, studio infrastructure, and streaming services.  Ability to manage, triage and fix technical issues across all systems (traditional and new) ranging from RF, over the air transmission, IP & terrestrial networks, studio production, towers and antennas, servers, digital and streaming infrastructure, automation systems, etc. Manage Emergency Alert System.

• 24/7 Monitoring and Response: Must be able to respond rapidly in case of outages (due to equipment failure, vendor outage, weather, etc.) to ensure systems are operational.

• Responsible for TV broadcast activities, including compliance with all regulatory and governmental agencies (FCC, OSHA, etc.), station asset management, transmission facilities, information technology systems. Ensuring the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of broadcasting and digital equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations. This includes transmitters, antennas, consoles, streaming and digital servers, IT systems networks and related hardware etc.

• RF Transmission Management: Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of RF transmission systems, ensuring reliability, compliance, and optimal performance of broadcast signals.

• Expertise in managing RF transmission systems, including transmitters, towers, antennas, and signal propagation, to ensure optimal coverage and signal quality.

• Lead the management of streaming services and platforms, optimizing streaming quality, reliability, and user experience.

• Stay updated with emerging technologies in RF, broadcasting, digital media and streaming, assessing their potential impact and leading the integration of new technologies. Improve broadcasting capabilities, enhance quality, and optimize workflows. This might involve evaluating new equipment or software for potential integration.

• Managing project budgets, overseeing equipment procurement, and optimizing resource allocation to meet operational needs while staying within budgetary constraints.

• Develop and implement contingency plans and protocols to ensure uninterrupted broadcasting and streaming services during emergency situations such as power outages, technical failures etc.

• Resolving technical issues promptly as they arise, conducting troubleshooting, and implementing preventive measures to minimize downtime.

• Working closely with other departments, such as programming, production, and content creation teams, to ensure technical support aligns with their needs and objectives.

• Innovation and Industry Awareness: Staying updated with emerging technologies and industry trends in broadcasting, evaluating their potential impact on operations, and making informed recommendations for technological advancements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A deep understanding of broadcast systems, including digital media workflows, audio/video codecs, streaming protocols, and traditional broadcast technologies for TV. Knowledge in Broadcast, IT, Digital, and Automation Technologies, including Design, Integration/Commissioning, Maintenance, and Project Management. This includes TV Broadcast systems (encoders, STLs, transmitters), plus, computer-based Video and Audio Production and playout/storage systems. Responsible for compliance reporting on all the above, including EAS systems.

• Expertise in managing RF transmission systems, including transmitters, towers, antennas, and signal propagation, to ensure optimal coverage and signal quality.

• Proficiency in handling and maintaining broadcast equipment such as cameras, audio consoles, switchers, encoders, and decoders used in both digital and traditional broadcasting.

• Experience in managing digital assets, content distribution platforms, streaming services, and digital media workflows, ensuring efficient content delivery across various platforms.

• Strong knowledge of FCC regulations and industry standards governing TV broadcasting, ensuring adherence to legal and technical guidelines.

• Ensure compliance with FCC or other relevant regulatory standards for RF transmission broadcasting, digital media and streaming services, including licensing and adherence to technical specifications. This also involves maintaining licenses, adhering to technical guidelines, and managing frequency allocations. Maintain the public file, complete all applicable FCC reports, and file them in a timely manner.

• Skilled in diagnosing and resolving technical issues promptly, conducting routine maintenance, and implementing preventive measures to minimize downtime.

• Able to manage the technical infrastructure for television broadcasting, ensuring seamless operation and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Ability to plan and execute broadcast projects, including equipment upgrades, technology integrations, and system enhancements, while managing timelines and resources effectively.

• Knowledge and experience in developing and implementing contingency plans for emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted broadcasting during technical failures or critical situations.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams, including content creators, production staff, and other technical teams, to support broadcasting needs.

• Capacity to adapt to evolving technologies, assess their potential impact on broadcasting, and leverage innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and broadcasting capabilities.

• Strong analytical abilities to identify technical issues, analyze data, and develop effective solutions to optimize broadcasting systems and workflows. high performance and technical proficiency among staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Broadcast Engineering, or related field or a combination of technical education and work experience

• Experience and in-depth knowledge in broadcast engineering with a strong background in RF transmission, digital media and streaming technology.

• Strong leadership. Excellent problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and project management abilities.

• Familiarity with FCC regulations and compliance standards in RF, broadcasting, and streaming.

• Able to be on-call after hours for emergencies or routine maintenance as needed.