Engineer

C-SPAN; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

C-SPAN is seeking a Broadcast Engineer in Washington, DC to support SMPTE 2110 master control rooms and studio operations. You will help ensure high-quality audio and video, monitor signals, and collaborate with production teams during live broadcasts.

The role requires hands-on maintenance of broadcast equipment, IT networking tasks, and staying current with emerging technologies. Weekend coverage and rotating shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• A technical degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Experience with SMPTE 2110 knowledge is preferred.
• ITIL Foundation is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and maintenance for master control rooms and studio operations.
• Monitor and troubleshoot audio/video signals and equipment to ensure performance.
• Collaborate with production teams for live broadcasts and operate studio gear.

Skills

Broadcast engineering

IT networking

IP video

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Technical degree in EE/CS

Tools

SMPTE 2110

NDI

Routers and switches

Servers

Job description

GENERAL FUNCTION:

As a Broadcast Engineer, you will be responsible for providing technical support and maintenance for our SMPTE 2110 master control rooms and studio operations, and ensuring the seamless operation of our broadcast systems. Your expertise in IP-based video technologies and knowledge of broadcast technologies will be crucial in delivering high-quality audio and video content to our audience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides technical support and maintenance for the master control rooms, ensuring uninterrupted broadcasting operations.
• Monitors and troubleshoots audio and video signals, equipment and systems to maintain optimal performance and resolve issues.
• Collaborates with production teams to ensure smooth execution of live broadcasts, including setting up and operating studio equipment such as cameras, microphones and lighting.
• Implements and adheres to IP-based video technologies (SMPTE2110/NDI) standards for audio and video over IP networks, ensuring compatibility and interoperability of broadcast systems.
• Assists in installing, configuring and maintaining broadcast equipment, including routers, switchers, servers and related hardware and software.
• Responsible for managing and supporting transmission operations, ensuring seamless broadcast coverage.
• Flexible to work on a rotating schedule, including some weekends, to provide operational support during broadcast times.
• Conducts regular inspections and preventive maintenance of broadcast equipment to identify potential faults and address them proactively.
• Stays current with emerging broadcast technologies, industry trends and best practices, and recommends equipment upgrades and system enhancements.
• Collaborates with IT and network teams to integrate broadcast systems with existing infrastructure and troubleshoots network-related issues.
• Documents technical procedures, system configurations and troubleshooting guides to facilitate knowledge sharing and ensure consistent operational processes.
• Trains and supports staff in properly using and maintaining broadcast equipment and systems.

BACKGROUND/SKILLS:

• Technical degree desired (Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Information Systems).
• Previous SMPTE 2110 knowledge and experience preferred.
• ITIL Foundation desired.
• Software Engineering skills preferred.
• A minimum of three years of broadcast media experience.
• A minimum of three to five years of experience in the IT domain and enterprise networking.
• Must lift equipment weighing up to 50lbs and work effectively in cramped spaces.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel and lift for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders.