Broadcast Engineer

Wqed-Multimedia; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 117,096,000 - 130,872,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union benefits

Job summary

WQED Multimedia in Pittsburgh seeks a Broadcast Engineer to maintain and repair a wide range of broadcast equipment, including cameras, servers, and transmitters. You will assist with TV and FM transmitters, and work under IATSE Local 820 guidelines.

The role requires at least 2+ years of station maintenance experience, strong IT/networking knowledge, and ability to operate test equipment. Union membership is mandatory; evening and weekend work may be needed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in electronics or certificate program preferred.
• 2+ years maintaining and troubleshooting broadcast equipment at a station.
• Strong knowledge of IT, data networking, and NAS in broadcast systems.
• Knowledge of FCC standards and regulations for television broadcast and CC.
• Ability to operate electronic test equipment for troubleshooting down to component level.

Responsibilities

• Maintain digital transmitters, satellite antenna systems, and signal routing and processing systems.
• Maintain support equipment including switchers, monitors, and audio/video devices.
• Troubleshoot, install, document, and cabling tasks; resolve problems under pressure.
• Assist design and implement improvements to operations; update technical plans.

Skills

Broadcast IT & Networking

FCC standards & regulations

Test equipment operation

Effective communication

Hardware troubleshooting

Education

Associate degree in electronics

Electronics certificate program

Tools

Electronic test equipment

Job description

BROADCAST ENGINEER

WQED Multimedia | Pittsburgh, PA | Full-time | Non-Exempt
Location: Pittsburgh
Compensation: $41.01 per hour

THE ROLE

WQED is seeking a Broadcast Engineer to maintain, repair, adjust, and install a wide range of electronic equipment, including TV cameras, video and audio servers, and more. This role will also assist in the maintenance and operation of VHF television transmitters; FM radio transmitters, and satellite receive systems. The position is represented by IATSE Local 820 and operates under the guidelines of a collective bargaining agreement. Membership in the union is a mandatory requirement for this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)

• Maintain digital transmitters, satellite antenna systems, signal distribution and routing systems, processing systems, monitoring devices, and automation systems.
• Maintain support equipment including master and sub switchers, monitors, videotape machines, computer systems, microphones, and intercoms.
• Conduct troubleshooting, installation, research, documentation, and cabling tasks.
• Resolve complex problems not covered by existing procedures or practices independently, often under pressure.
• Assist in the design and implementation of improvements to WQED’s operation.
• Update technical plan documentation when installations are completed.
• Document and maintain records of equipment repairs.
• Provide, enhance, and utilize proactive monitoring system to anticipate technical issues and take remedial actions when monitoring indicates a need.
• Help maintain logs and reports as per FCC Rules and Regulations.
• Remain current on the developments and applications of state-of-the-art broadcast engineering technology.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS (including but not limited to)

• Associate’s degree in electronics and/or completion of a certificate program in electronics from an accredited technical institute preferred.
• 2+ years of experience working as a maintenance technician at a broadcast television/radio station with extensive experience in maintaining and troubleshooting a wide variety of broadcast equipment.
• Strong knowledge of IT, data networking and network attached storage as it relates to broadcast systems.
• Knowledge of FCC standards and regulations for television broadcast, distribution and closed captioning.
• Ability to operate electronic test equipment used for troubleshooting circuits down to the component level.
• Must be able to work outside of normal business hours, including mornings, nights and weekends.
• Excellent communication skills are necessary.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

This position requires physical activities that could involve standing, walking, lifting, and other movements. Candidates should be aware that the nature of the job may require physical fitness and the ability to perform tasks that involve moderate to strenuous physical exertion.

By applying for this position, candidates acknowledge that they are capable of meeting the physical demands of the job and understand that reasonable accommodations will be considered for individuals with disabilities.

WQED Multimedia is committed to providing a safe working environment, and all employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines and protocols. Candidates with concerns about specific physical requirements are encouraged to discuss them during the interview process.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The hourly rate for this full-time position is $41.01, pursuant to WQED’s collective bargaining agreement with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 820. Benefits are also defined by that union contract.

About WQED

WQED Multimedia is an iconic public media institution and one of America's original educational broadcasters. Today, WQED serves hundreds of thousands of neighbors across southwestern Pennsylvania through five television channels, Voice of the Arts, streaming platforms, educational initiatives, digital storytelling, and community engagement.

This is a moment of real transformation. With major shifts in media consumption, the launch of new digital products like WQED+, the elimination of our federal funding, and growing demand for trusted, hopeful, local storytelling, WQED is evolving from a traditional broadcaster into a multi-platform community resource.

Joining WQED now means helping shape how Pittsburgh connects through story, culture, and shared experiences—on air, online, and in person.

Equal Employment Opportunity

WQED Multimedia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the diversity of the communities we serve and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace for all. Applicants with disabilities or those needing reasonable accommodation may contact [e-mail].