Assistant Chief Engineer

Nexstar Media Group Inc.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

FOX4 (WDAF-TV) in Kansas City seeks a hands-on broadcast engineer to keep our SDI plant and live newscasts on air while helping expand into connected TV and streaming delivery.

The role requires practical signal tracing, rack reading, and calm performance during live shows, plus experience with Windows networking and IT coordination. Training will cover Ross Carbonite and related production systems as needed.

Qualifications

• Hands-on broadcast or live production tech experience.
• 3+ years in broadcast engineering or live production tech.
• Proficient with Windows systems and basic networking.
• Calm and decisive during live television.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds; valid driver’s license.
• FCC license or SBE certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain studio, control room, and master control systems.
• Trace and manage signal flow across a large SDI plant including routing, conversion, and audio distribution.
• Support live news production with automation, production switchers, graphics systems, and audio consoles.
• Create and maintain documentation of system wiring and repair procedures.
• Keep broadcast servers, workstations, storage, and backups running in coordination with IT.
• Help expand connected TV and streaming encoding, distribution, and monitoring.

Skills

Broadcast engineering

Live production

Signal tracing

Windows systems

Basic networking

Calm under pressure

On-call after hours

Lifting to 50 lbs

Education

Associate/Bachelor degree in engineering or IT

Tools

Ross Carbonite

Windows Server

Active Directory

FCC General Radiotelephone License

SBE certification

Job description

FOX4 (WDAF-TV) is looking for a hands-on broadcast engineer to work alongside the Chief Engineer keeping our television plant on the air, and to help build what comes next.This is a television engineering job first. Our SDI plant, control rooms, and live newscasts are the product, and they have to work every single day. At the same time, the station is expanding into connected TV and streaming delivery, and whoever takes this role will have a real hand in shaping that side of the operation as it grows.We would rather hire someone who can trace a signal, read a rack, and stay steady during a live show, and then teach them the rest.Core ResponsibilitiesBroadcast and Production SystemsTroubleshoot, repair, and maintain studio, control room, and master control systemsTrace and manage signal flow across a large SDI plant, including routing, conversion, monitoring, and audio distributionSupport live news production, including Ross OverDrive automation, production switchers, graphics systems, and audio consolesRespond quickly and calmly when something breaks on the airCreate and maintain clear documentation of how systems are wired and how they are repairedInformation Technology and NetworkingKeep broadcast-attached servers, workstations, shared storage, and backups running in coordination with corporate ITMaintain switches, VLANs, and the networks our production and newsroom systems depend onApply updates and follow the cybersecurity practices set by Nexstar corporate ITPlease note: this is broadcast IT, not a help desk or enterprise system administration role. Corporate IT owns the enterprise side. What we need here is someone who understands how the network serves the plant.Streaming and Connected TVHelp support and expand our connected TV and streaming encoding, distribution, and monitoringWork with the Chief Engineer to plan how new delivery paths fit alongside existing linear infrastructureBring ideas about how the plant should evolve, not just keep the lights onNo prior CTV or streaming experience is required. Curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more.Facilities and OperationsAssist with generator, UPS, HVAC, power, and physical security systemsSupport readiness during severe weather and power eventsAssist with transmitter and tower site maintenance under the direction of the Chief EngineerHelp maintain a safe, efficient, and reliable technical environmentProject and Vendor ManagementResearch and evaluate new technology for integration into station operationsRequest quotes, coordinate vendors and contractors, and oversee project timelinesTrack capital and special projects through planning, installation, and documentationMaintain accurate technical inventories and service recordsLeadership and CollaborationServe as the senior technical contact when the Chief Engineer is off site or unavailableProvide practical guidance to maintenance engineers and operations staffCommunicate clearly with newsroom, production, and corporate personnelMaintain a calm, professional demeanor under pressure and during live operationsQualificationsWhat We Require:Hands-on broadcast or live production technical experience. You have personally traced signal, terminated cable, read a rack, and used test gearThree or more years in broadcast engineering, television technical operations, or live production technologyWorking comfort with Windows systems and basic networking, enough to be useful rather than expert levelComposure during live television, and the judgment to know what to fix firstAbility to lift up to 50 pounds and work safely in studios, racks, catwalks, and rooftop environmentsValid driver’s license with an acceptable driving recordWillingness to be on call and respond after hours during severe weather and power eventsPreferred but Not RequiredExperience with Ross Carbonite, or comparable production switchersWindows Server and Active Directory familiaritySBE certification or an FCC General Radiotelephone LicenseAn associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, information technology, or a related field. Equivalent hands-on experience carries the same weightThe Right FitThis position is designed for a well-rounded engineer who thrives at the intersection of broadcast and IT. You will be empowered to maintain, improve, and innovate across all technical systems while providing vital support to a fast-paced, live news environment. The ideal candidate is a steady hand, a creative problem solver, and a trusted partner ready to help lead one of Kansas City’s most dynamic media operations.