Master Control Engineer

Suntimes; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Public Media is seeking a Master Control Engineer to operate the broadcast console, edit and upload programming, and execute logs for live, prerecorded and automated content.

You will monitor transmitter equipment to ensure FCC compliance and assist with audio operations in CPM’s studio complex and remote sites. This is a full-time role with on-site work and possible field assignments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of radio production experience, including on-air work or live events.
• Experience with studio equipment and broadcast systems listed above.
• Proficient use of Google Suite for ongoing communications.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including early mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Record and edit audio; produce and mix content for production and post-production.
• Engineer live radio programming and support day-to-day technical direction.
• Operate studio equipment and broadcast library systems as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Radio production

Team collaboration

Initiative & self-motivation

Flexibility with shifts

Physical stamina

Tools

Mixing consoles

Microphones

Broadcast phone systems

IP codec equipment

Digital audio workstations (Pro Tools, Adobe Audition)

Enco DAD, Audio Vault

Google Suite

Job description

About Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media is one of the nation’s largest local nonprofit news organizations. Home to WBEZ 91.5FM, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Vocalo. Chicago Public Media reaches more than 3.3 million people weekly across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. As a mission-driven organization, we aspire to be the most trusted news source Chicagoans turn to for understanding the people, events, and ideas shaping our community.

Chicago Public Media is a 100% community-funded newsroom powered by nearly 97,000 members whose support makes our journalism possible. This sustained community investment helped drive nationally recognized work in 2025, including 29 awards from esteemed organizations, including the Public Media Journalists Association, the Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the National Association of Black Journalists.

We believe independent journalism is essential to a healthy democracy and that access to objective, fact-based news is a right for every citizen. We serve the public interest by creating diverse content that informs and enriches our community, supported by a dedicated staff of approximately 250 professionals.

For more information, please see the Chicago Public Media Annual Report.

The Opportunity

In this role, the MCE will operate the broadcast console and obtain, edit and upload acquired programming into CPM’s digital audio library system and execute programming logs for live, prerecorded, and automated programming. During the work shift, the MCE will also monitor transmitter equipment to make sure it is operating within FCC guidelines and assist with audio operations and troubleshooting in CPM’s studio complex and remote broadcast and event sites. The role is a full-time/40 hour a week role, overtime eligible and work is performed primarily in a standard broadcast studio or in the field on broadcast remotes with extensive public contact and frequent interruptions.

General Responsibilities

• Record and edit audio; produce and mix content using audio equipment and digital editing software and compile and edit material necessary for production, to include post-production and sound design.
• Engineering live radio programming and/or supporting the day-to-day technical direction of a radio station
• Using broadcast studio equipment, specifically experience mixing consoles, microphones, broadcast phone systems, IP codec equipment, digital audio workstations (Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, etc.) and broadcast library systems (Enco DAD, Audio Vault, etc.)
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in radio production, including live on air and live on location events or equivalent.
• Experience using broadcast studio equipment, specifically, mixing consoles, microphones, broadcast phone systems, IP codec equipment, digital audio workstations (Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, etc.) and broadcast library systems (Enco DAD, Audio Vault, etc.)
• Experience using Google Suite for on-going communications.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in a collaborative, highly team-oriented environment, yet possess initiative, self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• The ability to work varied shifts (early mornings, afternoons and late evenings) in addition to scheduled weekend and holiday hours.
• Be able to sit for prolonged periods of time, occasionally be able to stand for periods of time, talk, lift objects of up to fifty (50) pounds, and hear.
• Manipulative skills, which require hand-eye coordination, such as reading or typing, writing, and filing are also required.
• The ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced environment, with a strong ability to follow detailed directions.

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $61,500 - $64,500 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Working at Chicago Public Media

At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact.

Our culture is one where collaboration, diversity of ideas, and innovation are encouraged. We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, divergent experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.

At Chicago Public Media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their families. As a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for employees at hire and in the years to come.

Our benefits include a competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings, and a commuter benefits plan.

Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and are not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.