Manager, Engineering & Facilities

Socket.dev; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a seasoned Broadcast Engineer to lead the technical operations of our production and facility infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted on-air performance.

You will oversee all engineering functions, including transmission, IT integration, FCC compliance and facility systems, while driving improvements and supporting live events and recordings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Seven+ years of broadcast production experience.
• Three+ years of supervisory experience.
• SBE certification and IP networking experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure uninterrupted on-air operation and rapid outage response.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance for broadcast equipment.
• Oversee troubleshooting and repair of broadcast systems.
• Coordinate with vendors/MSP for equipment support.
• Lead and supervise engineers and contractors; set department goals.
• Ensure FCC compliance and regulatory documentation; coordinate inspections.
• Manage IP-based broadcast workflows and IT infrastructure.
• Provide technical support for live productions and events.
• Set up equipment for events and broadcasts; test systems beforehand.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Broadcast operations

IP networking

Leadership

FCC compliance

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in related engineering field

SBE certification

Job description

Description

Job Summary (Two/Three Lines)

• Leads the overall technical operation, maintenance and development of the production and facility infrastructure.
• Oversee all engineering functions, including transmission, studio, production, IT integration, FCC compliance and facility systems.
• Directs the set up and operation of sound and video equipment for live events and recordings to ensure the best results.
• Lead installation and maintenance of audio and video equipment / systems.

Responsibilities (Tasks)

• Technical Operations
  • Ensure uninterrupted on-air operation and rapid response to technical outages.
  • Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for all broadcast and facility equipment.
  • Oversee troubleshooting and repair of broadcast and production systems.
  • Coordinate with vendors and manufacturers for equipment support and service.
  • Work in conjunction with the outsourced MSP provider to ensure network reliability and integrity.
• Leadership & Staff Management
  • Supervise and develop engineering personnel, including Production Engineers and independent contractors.
  • Work closely with the contracted engineering firm on large-scale upgrade projects.
  • Establish department goals, schedules, and performance benchmarks.
  • Manage emergency response procedures.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
  • Ensure station compliance with FCC regulations and technical standards.
  • Maintain required technical logs, licenses, and regulatory documentation.
  • Coordinate FCC inspections and audits as required.
  • Implement and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• IT & Network Integration
  • Oversee broadcast/production related IT systems and networks.
  • Implement and support cloud-based workflows, media asset management systems, and content delivery platforms.
  • Coordinate with third-party technology providers on system upgrades.
• Production Support
  • Provide technical support for live local productions.
  • Ensure optimal performance of camera, audio, graphics, editing, and automation systems.
  • Ensure reliable remote broadcasts and field transmission systems.
  • Work closely with Content team on production requirements and execution.
• Technology Planning
  • Develop and manage annual engineering budgets and capital expenditures.
  • Evaluate emerging broadcast technologies and recommend upgrades.
  • Lead equipment installation, facility upgrades, and technical infrastructure projects.
  • Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement processes.
  • Support digital transformation initiatives, including IP-based broadcast workflows.
• Daily Support
  • Set up and tests equipment before events, broadcasts, live stream events, etc.
  • Sets up and operates IFB's, intercoms, phone lines and other peripheral audio equipment.
  • Ensure studio and PTZ cameras, monitors, recorders, and other video equipment are operational.
  • Resolve technical issues when they arise with production.
  • Capable of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting all equipment related to broadcasting.
  • Operating all equipment related to broadcasting on an advanced level.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (Results Ownership):
  • Maintain uninterrupted broadcast, operation and transmission operations.
  • Drive continuous improvement of technical processes, infrastructure and operational efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with FCC regulations and industry standards.
  • Led implementation of new IP-based technologies.

KEY COMPETENCY COMPONENTS (Behaviors Exhibited)

• SKILLS: (Ability to use knowledge effectively and competently in execution)
  • Strong trouble shooting and problem solving skills.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• KNOWLEDGE: (Facts acquired by a person through experience or education)
  • Strong knowledge of television production systems.
  • Knowledge of ATSC 3.0 technologies.
• EXPERIENCE: (Work experience, degree attainment, professional certifications)
  • At least seven (7) years of broadcast production experience.
  • Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in related engineering field and SBE certification.
  • IP networking and broadcast IT infrastructure experience.
• TRAITS: (Distinguishing qualities of a person)
  • Takes initiative to remain competent through self-directed professional learning.
  • Ability to lead a team of engineers (employees and contractors) and work independently.
• CHARACTERISTICS: (The special trait that makes a person unique)
  • Ability to make accurate and quick decisions to maintain integrity of live productions.

Other work requirements

• May be asked to work longer hours and occasional weekends with short notice.
• As you will/may be driving a company vehicle or your own vehicle for company business, a valid driver's license and a good driving record as determined by a driver's license background check is required for this position.
• All team members must successfully pass a background check (7 years), FBI fingerprint clearance and PA child clearance.