Broadcast Engineering Lead — Live TV Systems & RF

WGAL 8 TV; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WGAL, the Hearst Television owned NBC affiliate serving the Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA market, seeks an Assistant Chief Engineer to lead a team of studio operators, IT and RF specialists in a live broadcast environment.

You will oversee operation and maintenance of studio, field, transmission, and production equipment across multiple sites, manage capital projects, ensure FCC compliance, and mentor staff while supporting orderly, safe, and reliable on-air operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Television Broadcast Operations/Maintenance.
• Demonstrated technical leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of the complete broadcast signal chain from RF transmission, studio production, routing, distribution, and monitoring systems.
• Hands on experience diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing broadcast and production equipment at system, board, and component levels.
• Working knowledge of transmitters, antennas, satellite systems, signal-routing equipment, studio systems, test equipment, and IP-based broadcasting technologies.
• Knowledge of FCC technical requirements, licensing, recordkeeping, and broadcast compliance.
• Experience with broadcast IT systems, networking, network security, and infrastructure support.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, signal-flow diagrams, schematics, equipment manuals, and system documentation. Experience with AutoCAD is a plus.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound technical decisions during time sensitive or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, climb ladders, work at heights, perform physical activities associated with equipment installation and maintenance with reasonable accommodation.
• Must have current driver's license.
• Higher education in technology, relevant SBE certification, or related military experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and day-to-day directions to the Engineering and Technical Operations teams.
• Oversee the operation, reliability, and maintenance of studio, field, transmission, and production equipment across multiple sites.
• Assign daily priorities, communicate expectations, and guide technical staff in troubleshooting, maintenance, and project implementation.
• Diagnose and resolve broadcast-system issues from RF transmission and signal distribution through equipment and component level troubleshooting.
• Maintain transmitters, satellite antenna systems, microwave and RF systems, signal-routing and distribution systems, and related infrastructure.
• Oversee the integrity, security, reliability, and maintenance of broadcast IT systems, networks, and infrastructure.
• Train and coach team members on equipment operation, maintenance procedures, safety requirements, FCC regulations, and broadcast standards.
• Assist the Chief Engineer with employee development, performance management, departmental training, and long-term technical planning.
• Provide leadership and decision-making for the Technical Department in the Chief Engineers absence.
• Assist with planning and execution of capital projects, system upgrades, equipment installation, and facility improvements.
• Work with Operation Manager to develop schedules that support Master Control, Production, Technical, and other operational needs.
• Ensure technical staff have the tools, test equipment, supplies, documentation, and information needed to perform their responsibilities successfully.
• Maintain compliance with applicable FCC rules, licensing requirements, safety standards, and company policies.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with local vendors, contractors, and service providers.
• Support facility and physical-plant management across multiple locations.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, service-oriented, and safety-focused work environment.

Skills

Technical leadership

Supervisory experience

RF transmission

Broadcast IT systems

IP-based broadcasting

Network security

Problem solving

Education

SBE certification

Higher education in technology

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

WGAL, the Hearst Television owned NBC affiliate serving the Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA market, seeks an Assistant Chief Engineer to lead a team of studio operators, IT and RF specialists in a live broadcast environment.

You will oversee operation and maintenance of studio, field, transmission, and production equipment across multiple sites, manage capital projects, ensure FCC compliance, and mentor staff while supporting orderly, safe, and reliable on-air operations.