Broadcast Systems Technician

Hearst Television, Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Hearst Television's WLWT in Cincinnati is seeking a Broadcast Systems Technician to join our engineering team. The role maintains and supports broadcast and IT systems that keep the station on the air, with a focus on troubleshooting, learning new systems, and cross-department collaboration.

You will work with broadcast equipment, RF, networking, servers, automation, and live production systems, performing maintenance, incident response, and support for remote productions.

Qualifications

• Technical foundation in broadcast engineering, IT, audiovisual systems, electronics, or related field.
• Experience with managed network switches and IP-based systems.
• Working knowledge of servers, workstations, and network infrastructure.
• Understanding of TCP/IP networking, VPNs, and LAN environments.
• Experience with Windows desktop and server operating systems.
• Familiarity with broadcast equipment, production environments, RF systems, video and audio routing, automation, or digital transmission.
• Strong troubleshooting and collaborative problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to perform under pressure during live events.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair broadcast and IT systems to support reliable daily operations.
• Execute and improve preventative maintenance programs.
• Install, configure, test, and maintain broadcast equipment, networking systems, servers, workstations, and related infrastructure.
• Provide technical support to News, Production, Creative Services, Sales, and Administration.
• Support live broadcasts and remote productions, including technical setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with the maintenance and operation of digital transmitters, satellite systems, automation platforms, and content-distribution workflows.
• Travel as needed to transmitter sites, remote locations, and live event venues.
• Respond to equipment failures and technical issues, including after-hours support.
• Document systems, workflows, technical procedures, maintenance activities, and configuration changes.
• Collaborate with engineering and IT team members on station operations, system improvements, and new technology deployments.
• Maintain FCC compliance and Hearst Television technical requirements.
• Participate in equipment evaluations, system testing, capital projects, and technology planning.

Skills

Technical troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Working under pressure

Education

Associate degree or higher in Electronic Engineering Technology / Broadcast Engineering / Information Technology

Cisco, VMware, Microsoft, SBE certifications preferred

Tools

Managed network switches

IP-based systems

Windows Server/Workstation

TCP/IP networking

RF systems

Video/Audio routing

Job description

WLWT Engineering operates in a fast-paced, technically advanced environment that supports broadcast systems, IT infrastructure, and live production workflows. We are seeking a Broadcast Systems Technician to join our Engineering team.

This position is responsible for maintaining and supporting the broadcast and IT systems that keep the station on the air and operating at a high level. It is ideal for a technically capable individual who enjoys troubleshooting, learning new systems, and working collaboratively across multiple departments.

The Broadcast Systems Technician will work with a wide range of technologies, including broadcast equipment, RF systems, networking, servers, automation, video and audio routing, and live production systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair broadcast and IT systems to support reliable daily operations.
• Execute and improve preventative maintenance programs.
• Install, configure, test, and maintain broadcast equipment, networking systems, servers, workstations, and related infrastructure.
• Provide technical support to News, Production, Creative Services, Sales, and Administration.
• Support live broadcasts and remote productions, including technical setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with the maintenance and operation of digital transmitters, satellite systems, automation platforms, and content-distribution workflows.
• Travel as needed to transmitter sites, remote locations, and live event venues.
• Respond to equipment failures and technical issues, including those requiring service outside normal business hours.
• Document systems, workflows, technical procedures, maintenance activities, and configuration changes.
• Collaborate with engineering and IT team members on station operations, system improvements, and new technology deployments.
• Maintain compliance with FCC regulations, industry standards, and Hearst Television technical requirements.
• Participate in equipment evaluations, system testing, capital projects, and technology planning as assigned.

Requirements

• A strong technical foundation in broadcast engineering, IT, audiovisual systems, electronics, or a related field.
• Experience with managed network switches and IP-based systems.
• Working knowledge of servers, workstations, and network infrastructure.
• Understanding of TCP/IP networking, VPNs, and LAN environments.
• Experience with Windows desktop and server operating systems.
• Familiarity with broadcast equipment, production environments, RF systems, video and audio routing, automation, or digital transmission.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure during live broadcasts, technical failures, and time-sensitive situations.
• The ability to lift 50 pounds and work on rooftops, at transmitter sites, and in confined spaces as required.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to remote locations and live event venues.

Education and Preferred Qualifications

• An associate degree or higher in Electronic Engineering Technology, Broadcast Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field; completion of a comparable accredited technical program will also be considered.
• Cisco, VMware, Microsoft, SBE, or similar certifications are preferred.
• Military technical training or experience is valued.
• Candidates with strong IT, audiovisual, electronics, or technical aptitude who are interested in learning broadcast systems are encouraged to apply.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development in broadcast, IT, networking, and emerging technologies.

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization as diverse and varied as the audience we reach, ensuring that the content we create is more compassionate, and more representative of the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

• Medical | Dental | Vision
• 401(k) matching
• Emotional Wellness Support
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• LGBTQ+ Health Services
• Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs