BROADCAST ENGINEER (COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS SPECIALIST)
State of Illinois
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Job summary
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) seeks a skilled Communications Systems Specialist (Broadcast Engineer) to support multimedia productions across Illinois. The role involves operating and maintaining broadcast and IP-based systems, providing hands-on technical support during live events, and guiding staff on emerging technologies.
This is an in-office position with travel as needed.
Qualifications
- Requires four years of college with major in electronic engineering, radio/television, telecommunications, or data processing.
- Requires four years of professional experience in communications systems designs.
- Experience with satellite uplink/downlink and livestreaming preferred.
Responsibilities
- Performs highly complex technical duties in support of multimedia productions.
- Provides technical guidance on electronic design, installation, and operation of satellite, livestreaming, and AV equipment.
- Manages engineering functions for audio and video equipment, live productions, and web-based distribution.
- Evaluates equipment performance to ensure optimum operation per manufacturers' specs.
- Prepares and inventories remote satellite, video, and audio equipment for assignments.
Skills
Education
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Job description
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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome
The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.
Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.
The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.
In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
Job Requisition ID: 59023
Opening Date: 09/29/2026
Closing Date: 10/14/2026
Agency: Department of Central Management Services
Class Title: COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS SPEC (08860)
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,060/monthly; Full Range $8,060 -$11,851/monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 120 W Jefferson St, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Mahalia Ross
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
****** A RESUME IS RECOMMENDED ******
Posting ID #59023
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is seeking a highly skilled Communications Systems Specialist (Broadcast Engineer) to join the Illinois Office of Communication & Information (IOCI). This position plays a key role in delivering reliable, high-quality multimedia communications and supporting live events and productions for audiences across Illinois and beyond.
The Broadcast Engineer plans, operates, maintains, and troubleshoots sophisticated broadcast and communications systems, including satellite uplink/downlink, audio and video production, IP-based broadcast, livestreaming, playback and automation, and web-based distribution systems. Working in studio and field environments, the engineer provides hands‑on technical support for live news conferences, State events, and multimedia productions, ensuring broadcast‑quality audio and video and resolving complex issues under tight deadlines. The position also evaluates emerging technologies and provides technical guidance to management and production staff.
The ideal candidate will bring strong technical knowledge, problem‑solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced live production environment. We invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of Communications Systems Specialist and help IOCI serve the State of Illinois.
As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
- Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
- 10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
- 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
- 3 paid personal business days per year.
- 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
- Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
- Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
- Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
- Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
- Under general direction, performs duties of a highly complex technical nature in support of multimediaproductions.
- Provides technical assistance, guidance, and advice to Management on electronic design, installation, andoperation of satellite, livestreaming, and audio/video equipment, and emerging technology.
- Manages engineering functions of audio and video equipment, audio and video technical support during productions, satellite transmissions, and web-based distribution including posting audio/video to the internet and livestreaming.
- Evaluates equipment performance levels to ensure optimum operational levels in accordance with manufacturerspecifications.
- Inventories, organizes, and prepares remote satellite, video, and audio equipment for in-house and fieldassignments.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumeratedabove.
- Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college with majorcoursework in electronic engineering, radio/television, telecommunications, or data processing.
- Requires four (4) years of professional experience in communications systems designs.
- Prefers two (2) years of professional experience (or equivalent college broadcasting experience) working with Ku-BandSatellite Uplink/Downlink program and/or using equipment to livestream video to internet and social media.
- Prefers two (2) years of professional experience providing technical advice and assistance in audio and video productions.
- Prefers working knowledge of the tools required to perform technical repairs and maintenance of various electronic videoand audio equipment.
- Prefers working knowledge of the installation, maintenance, and operation of satellite, and audio/video equipment such asbroadcast consoles and mixing systems, digital playback/automation systems, data/voice networks, and structured cabling.
- Prefers working knowledge of software products such as Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and operating systems such as MACOS, Microsoft Windows, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
- Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
- Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime includingscheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
- Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires a valid driver’s license.Requires the ability to use agency technology/equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.) properly in accordance withinformation security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.
- Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or otherindustry related topics relevant to the job duties.
- This position is considered heavy work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(d)). Heavy workinvolves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the jobdescription.
Central Management Services (CMS) is the State of Illinois’ central operational support agency, the team that keeps government running smoothly behind the scenes. We provide the essential services that enable more than 80 agencies, boards, and commissions to serve the people of Illinois effectively. As the backbone of state operations, CMS delivers high‑quality, reliable, and forward‑thinking services that help government programs work efficiently and meet the needs of residents statewide.
Our vision is to be the trusted partner dedicated to the success of the State of Illinois through service, optimization, and inclusion. Our mission is to be the accessible agency that delivers essential, effective, and efficient services to State agencies and the people of Illinois. Our core values are: Trusted, Strategic, Effective, Innovative, Responsive, and Inclusive. Through strategic leadership CMS plays a vital role in strengthening the effectiveness of Illinois State government.
CMS provides a broad portfolio of statewide services through specialized bureaus such as:
- Administrative Hearings
- African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission
- Statewide Benefits
- Communication and Information
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Fleet Administration
- Labor Relations
- Operational Excellence
- Statewide Personnel
- Property Management
- Strategic Sourcing
- Surplus Equipment Control
CMS also operates internal service bureaus that support our agency’s own effectiveness and efficiency, including:,
- Internal Audit
- Finance and Management
- Government Affairs
- Human Resources
- Legal Services
- Strategic Transformation
Professionals who join CMS become part of a mission‑driven organization committed to continuous improvement and public service excellence. CMS offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful statewide initiatives, collaborate with skilled and talented colleagues, shape strategic improvements across Illinois government, and support the operational foundation that allows state agencies to better serve the residents of Illinois. CMS is a place for people who want their work to matter; where innovation, service, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.
This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
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