Chief Engineer

Nexstar Media; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexstar Media Group's FOX40 in Sacramento is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the Engineering Department and oversee day-to-day broadcast technology operations. This role emphasizes people-first leadership to engage and inspire the team while ensuring reliable on-air performance.

The Chief Engineer will modernize the operation, lead long-term capital projects, ensure FCC compliance, and coordinate IT with broadcast systems. Strong strategic and hands-on technical expertise are required.

Qualifications

• Technical degree in Digital Electronics, Broadcasting, or related field.
• Minimum five years' experience with digital electronics systems in a television broadcasting environment, with at least three years' leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of the Engineering Department and guide teams for future innovations.
• Mentor and develop local engineering staff.
• Collaborate with station and corporate leadership to implement new technologies and infrastructure for the station.
• Maintain broadcast and IT systems and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate security operations and rapid issue resolution for on-air operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Deadline oriented

English fluency

Strategic thinking

Education

Technical degree in Digital Electronics/Broadcasting

Tools

Fiber connectivity

A/V routing

Broadcast equipment

IT systems

Video/Audio production

Job description

Nexstar Media Group's FOX40 in Sacramento is looking for a Chief Engineer to oversee KTXL Television (Market #20.) The successful candidate is a people first leader who can engage and inspire the engineering team. The Chief Engineer reports to the Vice President/General Manager and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Department. We're seeking a seasoned Chief Engineer capable of modernizing the operation and leading long-term capital projects who has IT experience.

The Chief is responsible for the maintenance of all broadcast technology and equipment at the station. This role is a critical part of the station's core leadership team and is responsible for coordinating our security operations.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all aspects of the Engineering Department and assist all departments innovative for the future.
• Manage, mentor, and ensure continued development of local engineering staff
• Works with station leadership and corporate leadership to develop and implement new technologies and technical infrastructure for the station
• Maintains the information technology systems and all broadcast technology for the station
• Ensures station compliance with FCC rules and regulations, as well as all local, state and federal regulations applicable to the station
• Ensure rapid response and resolution to issues impacting on-air operations
• Develop and submit project plans and capital budget requirements
• Manage department operating budget and operating expenses within guidelines
• Respond promptly to questions from internal and external stakeholders
• Assigns projects to staff and verifies that deadlines are being met
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements & Skills :

• Technical degree in Digital Electronics, Broadcasting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience
• Minimum five years' experience with digital electronics systems in a television broadcasting environment, with at least three years' experience in a leadership role
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Experience guiding, directing and motivating the engineering team, including setting performance standards, monitoring performance, and identifying the developmental needs of their team
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams/stakeholders who do not report directly to the Chief Engineer
• Experience establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them
• Experience with fiber connectivity, production setups, A/V routing and patching, audio equipment, graphics systems and editing systems
• Experience with digital transmitters, microwave equipment, and other broadcast-related equipment
• Significant experience evaluating, selecting, installing, servicing and maintaining broadcasting industry equipment and information technology systems
• This is a physically demanding position. Position requires frequent physical exertion including standing, crawling, fitting into tight spaces, climbing stairs and ladders, and lifting and carrying materials and equipment weighing 50-100 pounds
• Fluency in English
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record

Salary starts at $130,000 based on experience.

EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

KTXL Fox40 will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if KTXL Fox40 is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

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