Chief Engineer

Jobtailor; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

OPB in Portland, Oregon seeks a seasoned Chief Operator to oversee the maintenance and modernization of audio and video systems across the Network Center and Northwest region. This role ensures regulatory compliance and alignment with organizational goals.

The position requires strong supervisory experience, budget management, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a rapidly evolving broadcast environment. A valid driver’s license and safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in broadcast, video, audio or large IP networks environments.
• Experience supervising and managing teams.
• Ability to plan, design, and implement technical changes to improve system resilience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and repair of audio and video systems across the Network Center and NW Region, aligning with strategic goals.
• Act as Chief Operator for Northwest regional sites and ensure FCC compliance.
• Lead maintenance effort, rebuilds, and research/design/implementation of improvements for content creation and distribution.
• Oversee equipment procurement and develop preventative maintenance programs and emergency plans.
• Manage budgets and supervise NW region staff; coordinate with other departments and stakeholders.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Budget management

Project management

FCC compliance knowledge

RF knowledge

IP networks

Technical troubleshooting

Stakeholder communication

Safety practices

Driver's license

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Responsibilities

• Oversees the maintenance and repair of audio and video systems across the Network Center and OPB's Northwest region, while driving efforts to modernize and improve system resilience in alignment with OPB’s strategic goals.
• Serves as the designated Chief Operator for the Northwest regional sites, ensuring full compliance with FCC regulations.
• 70% - Oversee the maintenance and repair of existing installations and equipment in the Network Center and NW Region while rebuilding them to be more resilient, using technology to further OPB’s strategic goals and objectives. Research, recommend, plan, design and implement technical and equipment changes, as appropriate, to further enable OPB’s content creation and distribution.
• Oversee the procurement of equipment.
• Develop and implement appropriate routine and preventative maintenance programs and emergency response plans.
• When needed, perform preventative maintenance and emergency service in the Network Center and NW region.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of RF (high and low power systems for radio and TV), distribution networks, and Net Center systems and operation.
• 30% - Management: Supervise, schedule and review NW region operational and maintenance staff, including day-to-day activities.
• Set goals, timelines, milestones and follow progress of each project.
• Develop and manage operational and technical budgets. Assist the Director in meeting organizational and departmental goals.
• Gather data to be used in reports and as indicators for future planning.
• Build relationships with peers at other broadcast organizations and make contacts regarding service coordination, site leases, etc.
• Function as a resource and liaison between Technology and other departments (Content, Development, Marketing, etc). Working with the Member Center, respond to viewers/listeners, cable companies, etc. regarding reception problems.

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, including education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position (such as broadcast, video, audio or experience with large IP networks, etc.).
• Minimum of one (1) year strong supervisory and management experience.
• Ability to maintain existing systems and equipment while envisioning and implementing new systems, equipment, etc. to meet changing needs of organization.
• Ability to lead and teach others through the challenges of equipment management (installation, repair, maintenance, working through equipment failure, etc.).
• Creative thinker and problem solver with the ability to translate ideas into action.
• Skilled at providing customer service, which includes the ability to explain high level technical issues to a wide variety of colleagues, stakeholders, contractors, etc.
• Awareness and ability to understand federal regulations governing television and radio broadcasting.
• Capacity to effectively manage complex projects, large budgets (approximately $1 million) and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity working in IP including local area networking, file handling, and protocol management as it relates to the broadcast environment.
• Ability to design and troubleshoot file-based workflows.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing technological environment.
• Ability to appropriately and professionally represent OPB in the community and interact with co‑workers and the public in a professional manner.
• Strong computer skills, especially in Word and Excel, and the capacity to quickly learn new software programs.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to meet working conditions and knowledge/ability to observe appropriate safety practices.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn how to do basic emergency mechanical repairs.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in overseeing audio and video system maintenance and repair, ensuring compliance with FCC regulations, and managing operational budgets. Proven ability to lead teams, implement preventative maintenance programs, and adapt to evolving technological environments.