Broadcast Tech Lead — Assistant Chief Engineer

Hearst Television; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; 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 engineering and technical operations across multiple sites. You will manage studio, field, transmission, and production equipment, drive capital projects, and ensure FCC compliance while mentoring staff.

You will oversee IT and RF infrastructure, coordinate staff, and guide troubleshooting under time-sensitive demands, maintaining on-air quality and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Television Broadcast Operations/Maintenance.
• Demonstrated technical leadership or supervisory experience, including assigning work, coaching employees, and leading technical projects.
• 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 the 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. AutoCAD is a plus.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound technical decisions during time sensitive or high-pressure situations.
• 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, 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

Problem solving

Reading schematics

Education

Higher education in technology

SBE certification

Tools

AutoCAD

IP-based broadcasting technologies

Job description

WGAL, the Hearst Television owned NBC affiliate serving the Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA market, seeks an Assistant Chief Engineer to lead engineering and technical operations across multiple sites. You will manage studio, field, transmission, and production equipment, drive capital projects, and ensure FCC compliance while mentoring staff.

You will oversee IT and RF infrastructure, coordinate staff, and guide troubleshooting under time-sensitive demands, maintaining on-air quality and