Assistant Chief Engineer

Austincc; Wabash (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Gray Media's WTHI-TV seeks a hands-on engineering leader to direct broadcast and IT operations. The role partners with the Regional Chief Engineer to maintain, modernize, and future-proof SDI, IT networks, building systems, and vendor relations.

You will support live news production in a Grass Valley environment, oversee a hybrid plant, and guide technical evolution while ensuring daily broadcasts run reliably.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Grass Valley switchers, Evertz, Imagine, Grass Valley Routers, and ENPS.
• Understanding of SDI signal flow, routing, audio distribution, and monitoring systems.
• Experience with VMware virtual environments, Windows server, Active Directory, and system backups.
• Knowledge of VLANs, routing, and network configuration within a broadcast plant.
• On-call availability for evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and optimize studio, control room, and transmission systems.
• Support Grass Valley Kayak HD, production switchers, Chyron, routers, and master control.
• Manage SDI signal flow, routing, monitoring, and conversion across facilities.
• Collaborate with news teams to resolve on-air technical issues quickly.
• Create and maintain clear system documentation and SOPs.
• Oversee IT and networking tasks with regional IT, backups, and security.
• Lead technical initiatives when the Chief Engineer is unavailable.

Skills

Grass Valley Kayak HD

Grass Valley Routers

Chyron graphics

Imagine master control

Wheatstone audio

SDI signal flow

ENPS

VMware

Windows Server

Active Directory

Tools

VMware

Windows Server

Active Directory

Job description

You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest-rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 of such markets that were measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 46 markets and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WTHI:

For more than 70 years, WTHI-TV (CBS/FOX/ION/MeTV/MeTV Toons) has been the most-watched local television station in west central Indiana and east central Illinois, earning a reputation for trusted, award-winning coverage of news, weather, and sports. As a treasured member of the community, WTHI-TV continues to prioritize local storytelling, support community initiatives, and provide a trusted platform for the voices and events that shape daily life across the Wabash Valley.

Job Summary/Description:

WTHI-TV is seeking a hands-on technical professional to help lead the engineering and technology operations of our television station. This role partners directly with the Regional Chief Engineer to maintain, modernize, and future-proof all station systems, from traditional SDI broadcast infrastructure and automation to IT networks, building systems, and vendor relationships. You will support live news production in a Grass Valley hot-punch environment, oversee the health of a hybrid broadcasting plant, and help guide the next wave of technical evolution while ensuring daily broadcasts run reliably.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

The Right Fit: This position is designed for a well-rounded engineer who thrives at the intersection of broadcast and IT. You will 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 the Wabash Valley’s most dynamic television operations.

Core Responsibilities:

Broadcast and Production Systems:

• Maintain, repair, and optimize all studio, control room, and transmission systems
• Support Grass Valley Kayak HD, production switchers, Chyron graphics systems, Grass Valley routers, Imagine ADC master control, and Wheatstone audio consoles
• Manage signal flow across SDI infrastructure, including routing, monitoring, and conversion systems.
• Work closely with production and news teams to resolve live on-air technical issues quickly and effectively
• Create and maintain clear system documentation and standard operating procedures

Information Technology and Networking:

• Work with the Regional IT manager to maintain Information technology and support users locally.
• Oversee VMware virtual machines, Windows servers, user workstations, and system backups in coordination with corporate IT
• Manage Active Directory, LAN/WAN-related hardware, and local network security
• Support newsroom systems, automation interfaces, and shared storage environments
• Maintain alignment with Gray Media corporate IT and broadcast technology initiatives
• Ensure proper cybersecurity practices and software updates across technical systems

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Serve as a key technical leader when the Chief Engineer is unavailable or off-site
• Promote proactive maintenance and continuous improvement within the department
• Communicate effectively with newsroom, production, and corporate personnel
• Maintain a calm, professional demeanor under pressure and during live operations

Qualifications/Requirements:

Desired Qualifications/Requirements:

• Working knowledge of Grass Valley switchers, Evertz, Imagine,& Grass Valley Routers, and ENPS
• Understanding of SDI signal flow, routing, audio distribution, and monitoring systems
• Experience with VMware virtual environments, Windows server, Active Directory, and system backups
• Knowledge of VLANs, routing, and network configuration within a broadcast plant
• Basic understanding of transmitters and RF fundamentals preferred
• Must be available for on-call support, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proactive mindset
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail
• Effective communication and vendor management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a live production environment
• 5 or more years of experience in broadcast engineering and information technology

WTHI-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.