Maintenance Engineer Bend

AAJA25; Bend, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

OPB is seeking a Field Maintenance Engineer to join the Bend-based engineering team. This on-site role covers the Eastern Region of OPB’s statewide network, with travel to transmitter sites, trouble-shooting of broadcast equipment, and hands-on maintenance of TV, FM, microwave, and fiber systems.

The position emphasizes independent work, safety, and collaboration with staff and contractors on diverse projects across the Northwest. Outdoor, field-heavy duties are common year-round.

Qualifications

• Strong technical aptitude and safety awareness for outdoor field work.
• Hands-on field experience and ability to work independently.
• First Aid, CPR, wilderness safety certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Travel to transmitter sites and perform routine or emergency maintenance.
• Troubleshoot TV, FM, microwave air chains, generators, and network systems.
• Erect, repair, or reinforce site structures and manage field inventories.
• Document installations, changes, and performance parameters.
• Collaborate with staff and contractors on projects across the region.

Skills

Tower climbing

Saw operation

Driving

First aid

Tools

Broadcast systems

Job description

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures; business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org , on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Instagram , YouTube and Facebook .

The Opportunity:

The Field Maintenance Engineer is an onsite role working Monday through Friday. Quick response is needed for outages, including those caused by weather, planned maintenance, and system improvements. The position involves cross-training skills such as tower climbing, saw operation, driving, and first aid certification. Ideal candidates have strong technical aptitude, enjoy working outdoors, and demonstrate sound judgment, and a strong commitment to safety. Experience in hands-on field environments and outdoor skills and capability is necessary for the role, technical aspects of the role can be taught.

The role is a balance between fieldwork and technical problem-solving. While tower climbing is only required about once a month, the job also includes troubleshooting equipment in-office. Experience with audio, video, or broadcast systems is preferred, along with the ability to install, troubleshoot, and repair electrical equipment. The role is best suited for self-motivated individuals who can work independently and collaborate effectively within a small, close-knit team.

Position Summary:

The Field Maintenance Engineer is a member of the Bend-based engineering team and is entrusted with a wide variety of duties supporting the Eastern Region of OPB’s statewide broadcast network. Our area of responsibility stretches from the Cascades to the Idaho border. This engineer works independently or with OPB staff and contractors on projects ranging from technical research, documentation, and test-bench equipment repairs to winter trips accessing remote transmitter sites for maintenance. We primarily work in digital television, FM radio, microwave, and fiber distribution. The engineer filling this position possesses methodical troubleshooting skills, safety awareness, and a spirit of adventure.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Travel to transmitter sites in 4WD trucks or tracked snow vehicles, occasionally requiring hiking or snowshoeing
• Independently perform routine or emergency maintenance on equipment at transmitter sites, including TV, FM, and microwave air chains and controls, generators, building mechanical systems, and computer networks
• Erect, paint, reinforce, rebuild, or demolish site structures as necessary
• Trips are often 3-5 days long
• Perform basic vehicle maintenance as necessary

25% Planning and Documentation

• Document installations, upgrades, and operational parameters
• Update databases with plans, drawings, and diagrams of changes
• Partner with staff in planning and designing new systems
• Create and revise simple documents for managing equipment, tools, programs, libraries, and supplies

25% Field Services

• Represent OPB in routine interactions with viewers and listeners, vendors and contractors, fellow broadcasters and engineers, cable operators, utility companies, government agencies, emergency services personnel, and the people of the Pacific Northwest

20% Education

• Participate in on-the-job training directed by Chief Engineers in signal flow, transmitter function, the use of test equipment, and repair and maintenance of broadcast facilities
• Create training presentations contributing to staff learning activities
• First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness Emergency Medicine compulsory
• Attendance when possible, at industry seminars

Working Conditions:

Conditions vary widely, from the Bend workshop to remote broadcast facilities across the state and include arduous travel and significant hands-on activity outdoors year-round. The position occasionally