Broadcast Field Engineer

Alpha; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpha is seeking a Broadcast Field Engineer to configure, test, commission, and bring broadcast and IT systems to completion. You will break down large systems, advise on installation standards, and produce commissioning reports with red-lined drawings.

Expect collaboration with field managers, engineers, and project teams. Role requires extensive travel, strong communication, CAD/blueprint literacy, and hands-on expertise with video, audio, and IP networks.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organization and ability to manage tasks.
• Familiarity with construction and corporate job sites.
• Knowledge of broadcast A/V theory and IT networking.
• Ability to read CAD drawings, blueprints and technical drawings.
• Experience troubleshooting audio, video, and IP signal flows.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide commissioning reports and red-lined drawings upon project completion.
• Coordinate with designers, project managers and technicians on site.
• Program broadcast equipment in fabrication facility and client sites.
• Test and certify cabling and system functionality.
• Identify design and integration issues and propose improvements.
• Train employees and clients on systems and procedures.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Organizational skills

Task list management

Team communication

Broadcast A/V theory

IT networking knowledge

CAD drawings reading

Troubleshooting audio/video/IP

Soldering skills

Computer skills

System configurations knowledge

Video design theory

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Visio

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

The Broadcast Field Engineer is responsible for adjusting, testing, configuring and commissioning Broadcast & IT systems, bringing projects to completion and ensuring quality. They must understand design, as well as demonstrate installation and commissioning techniques. He or she must be able to understand large broadcast systems, break them into subsystems, and have a solid technical background and understanding of video, audio, control and data/networking. The Broadcast Field Engineer will work closely with the Field Manager, Engineers, Lead Installers, and Project Managers. He or she will provide both general and specific recommendations on installation standards, technologies, personnel, job specifics and implementation. For all types of systems, upon completion, the Engineer shall provide red lined drawings and a completed commissioning report. In some rare cases, he or she may act as Project Foreman.

The Broadcast Field Engineer Will

• Uphold the Alpha Values.
• Work with and advise design engineering during initial system design.
• Seek to understand end-user functional requirements and configure systems in a way that reflects the intended system design, as well as the client’s best interests.
• Attend drawing reviews.
• Proactively identify areas of concern with system design, equipment integration and end-user functionality needs.
• Work with the project manager and lead installer to create task lists for technicians.
• Perform signal tests to certify all cabling and ensure proper functionality.
• Program broadcast equipment (includes routers, switchers, mixers, CG, etc.) in our fabrication facility and at client sites.
• Communicate with the client, project manager, salesperson and engineer to provide status updates, issues and potential solutions.
• Work with on-site tech team to identify and finalize punch list items.
• Compile system commissioning reports.
• Act as the final point of quality control on work performed by Alpha staff and contractors, to ensure that all deliverables meet and conform to safety and quality requirements.
• Perform employee and client training.
• Serve as a role model for other technicians by exhibiting a high quality of work, an excellent work ethic, and a positive attitude.
• Work directly with subcontractors and/or third parties as necessary.
• Identify integration process inefficiencies and advocate for solutions.
• Provide technical support to Alpha employees and clients in any areas of expertise.
• Possess the ability to pull, terminate, and label all types of broadcast video, audio and control cabling.
• All other duties as assigned and deemed appropriate.

Requirements

• Up to 70% travel, occasionally on a last-minute basis, for up to two weeks at a time.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a background check.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of organization
• Ability to create, manage, prioritize, and complete a task list
• Familiarity with construction and corporate job sites
• Must be able to communicate effectively in a team
• Knowledge of broadcast A/V theory and IT networking
• Ability to read and comprehend CAD drawings, blueprints and technical drawings
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting audio, video, and IP signal flows
• Excellent soldering skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Solid knowledge of system configurations
• Knowledge of audio & video design theory
• Ability to solve unusual or unexpected problems

Preferred

• Experience deploying and configuring:
• ST 2110 IP media networks, PTP synchronization, boundary clocks, IP gateways, IP video test and measurement equipment. Audio-over-IP signals as Dante, AES67, AVB and familiarity with IPTV Systems.
• Broadcast equipment from Evertz, Ross, Imagine Communications, Sony, Grass Valley, Panasonic, JVC, EVS and AJA - including routers, switchers, cameras, servers, etc.
• Displays, including LCD, direct view LED, monitor walls, etc.
• Proficiency generating, testing, and measuring:
• Video signals including baseband SDI, component, composite/VBS, 2110-20, NDI, etc.
• Audio signals including balanced and unbalanced, line and mic, MADI, AES, Dante, AES67, etc.
• Ethernet traffic using Wireshark, as well as general network troubleshooting.
• Some engineering background preferred (production truck, sports venue, integrator, news media, manufacturer)

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor’s degree preferred
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant experience
• Additional advanced or product-specific certifications are preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (including Word, Outlook, and Excel)
• AutoCAD, Visio, Bluebeam Revu experience preferred

Certificates and Licenses

• SBE, CTS-I, or CTS-D
• Additional broadcast and network certificates preferred