Manager, Engineering & Facilities

Lehigh-Valley-Public-Media; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh-Valley-Public-Media in Bethlehem, PA, seeks an experienced Senior Engineering Manager to lead technical operations for production and facility infrastructure. You will oversee transmission, studio, IT integration, FCC compliance, and disaster recovery, ensuring reliable live broadcasts and field transmissions.

Responsibilities include supervising engineers and contractors, coordinating with vendors, and driving IP-based technology upgrades and budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related engineering field and SBE certification.
• At least 7 years of broadcast production experience.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience; IP networking and broadcast IT infrastructure experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain uninterrupted broadcast operation and transmission operations.
• Develop preventative maintenance programs for broadcast and facility equipment.
• Oversee troubleshooting and repair of broadcast and production systems.
• Coordinate with vendors and MSP for equipment support and service.
• Supervise engineering personnel and contractors.
• Lead large-scale upgrade projects with contracted firms.
• Develop department goals, budgets and performance benchmarks.
• Implement disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Oversee IT systems and cloud-based workflows for production.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem Solving

Communication

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in related engineering field

SBE certification

Tools

IP networking

Broadcast IT infrastructure

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.