Assistant Chief Engineer

WDAF-TV FOX4; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

FOX4 (WDAF-TV) in Kansas City seeks a hands-on broadcast engineer to keep our television plant on the air and to help build what comes next. The role blends live production, IT, and streaming work, with a focus on reliability during news broadcasts.

You will troubleshoot studio and control-room systems, maintain SDI networks, and support connected TV delivery while collaborating with the Chief Engineer and newsroom teams to evolve our technical footprint.

Qualifications

• Hands-on broadcast or live production technical experience.
• 3+ years in broadcast engineering or live production tech.
• Proficient with Windows systems and basic networking.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in studios, racks, catwalks, and rooftops.
• Valid driver’s license and on-call availability.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain studio, control room, and master control systems
• Trace and manage signal flow across a large SDI plant
• Support live news production and related systems (Ross OverDrive, switchers, graphics, audio)
• Respond quickly and calmly when something breaks on the air
• Create and maintain documentation of wiring and repairs

Skills

Hands-on broadcast engineering

Live production experience

Windows basics

Education

Engineering or IT degree

FCC license or SBE certification

Tools

Ross OverDrive

Ross Carbonite

Windows Server / Active Directory

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 Responsibilities

Broadcast and Production Systems

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain studio, control room, and master control systems
• Trace and manage signal flow across a large SDI plant, including routing, conversion, monitoring, and audio distribution
• Support live news production, including Ross OverDrive automation, production switchers, graphics systems, and audio consoles
• Respond quickly and calmly when something breaks on the air
• Create and maintain clear documentation of how systems are wired and how they are repaired

Information Technology and Networking

• Keep broadcast-attached servers, workstations, shared storage, and backups running in coordination with corporate IT
• Maintain switches, VLANs, and the networks our production and newsroom systems depend on
• Apply updates and follow the cybersecurity practices set by Nexstar corporate IT

Please 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 TV

• Help support and expand our connected TV and streaming encoding, distribution, and monitoring
• Work with the Chief Engineer to plan how new delivery paths fit alongside existing linear infrastructure
• Bring ideas about how the plant should evolve, not just keep the lights on

No prior CTV or streaming experience is required. Curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more.

Facilities and Operations

• Assist with generator, UPS, HVAC, power, and physical security systems
• Support readiness during severe weather and power events
• Assist with transmitter and tower site maintenance under the direction of the Chief Engineer
• Help maintain a safe, efficient, and reliable technical environment

Project and Vendor Management

• Research and evaluate new technology for integration into station operations
• Request quotes, coordinate vendors and contractors, and oversee project timelines
• Track capital and special projects through planning, installation, and documentation
• Maintain accurate technical inventories and service records

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as the senior technical contact when the Chief Engineer is off site or unavailable
• Provide practical guidance to maintenance engineers and operations staff
• Communicate clearly with newsroom, production, and corporate personnel
• Maintain a calm, professional demeanor under pressure and during live operations

Qualifications

What We Require:

• Hands-on broadcast or live production technical experience. You have personally traced signal, terminated cable, read a rack, and used test gear
• Three or more years in broadcast engineering, television technical operations, or live production technology
• Working comfort with Windows systems and basic networking, enough to be useful rather than expert level
• Composure during live television, and the judgment to know what to fix first
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work safely in studios, racks, catwalks, and rooftop environments
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• Willingness to be on call and respond after hours during severe weather and power events

Preferred But Not Required

• Experience with Ross Carbonite, or comparable production switchers
• Windows Server and Active Directory familiarity
• SBE certification or an FCC General Radiotelephone License
• An associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, information technology, or a related field. Equivalent hands-on experience carries the same weight

The Right Fit

This 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.