WLS Broadcast Maintenance Engineer

AAJA24; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

WLS-TV News - ABC 7 Eyewitness News Chicago is seeking a Broadcast Maintenance Engineer to maintain and troubleshoot live broadcast equipment and workflows in a fast-paced, 24/7 newsroom environment. You will ensure seamless operation of video, audio, control systems, and RF assets while collaborating with multiple departments.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in broadcast engineering, strong IT and networking skills, and experience with RF transmitters/microwave gear.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with broadcast audio, video and control systems.
• Strong engineering, IT/networking, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with RF equipment such as broadcast transmitters, microwave equipment, etc.
• Excellence in documentation and system drawings.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and perform daily maintenance/troubleshooting of broadcast systems.
• Provide operational support for end-users; respond to help desk tickets and calls.
• Lead, execute, and complete projects as directed by management.
• Adhere to Disney policies and best practices in a broadcast environment.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Broadcast systems

IT networking

Troubleshooting

RF equipment

Documentation

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Live broadcasts

On-call willingness

Education

High school diploma

Engineering degree desirable

FCC license / SBE certification desirable

Tools

AutoCAD

Visio

Job description

WLS-TV News - ABC 7 Eyewitness News Chicago
190 N. State Street,Chicago, Illinois,60601,United States
Web: www.abc7chicago.com
Company Profile

Job Category: Television,

Employment Type: Full time,

Posted: 10.07.2026

Job Description

WLS Broadcast Maintenance Engineer

WLS TV, the ABC/Disney-owned station in Chicago, IL is and has been the market’s top local news station for over 70+ years. Producing over 45 hours of live news, weather, sports, and local programming each week using cutting-edge technology.

WLS-TV seeks a Broadcast Maintenance Engineer. The successful candidate must be a skilled individual adept at the latest technologies used in live broadcasts to provide seamless, uninterrupted maintenance of equipment in order to ensure quality broadcasts. Candidate must exhibit an aptitude for an ever-changing news environment, problem-solving, ability to adjust to meet deadlines and work collaboratively with other departments to maintain and improve our broadcast infrastructure and user workflow experiences.

Responsibilities

• Installation, configuration, and daily maintenance/troubleshooting of broadcast systems
• Provide operational support for end-users; respond to help desk tickets and calls.
• Lead, execute, and complete projects as directed by management
• Adhere to Disney policies and best practices in a broadcast environment
• All other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Basic Qualifications

The ideal candidate must:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with broadcast audio, video and control systems, video servers, graphics & IT systems.
• Possess strong engineering, IT/networking, and troubleshooting skills.
• Have experience with RF equipment such as broadcast transmitters, microwave equipment, etc.
• Demonstrate excellence in documentation and system drawing.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Be a self-starter and able to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment, working both independently and as a part of a diverse team.
• Be project-oriented, organized, and able to show a list of previously executed projects from concept to completion.
• Demonstrate the ability to pivot and manage changing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Be willing to expand their knowledge with emerging broadcast industry concepts/technologies.

WLS-TV is a 24/7 operation, and the candidate may be required to work non-traditional shifts, weekends/holidays, and be willing to be on call and/or work extra hours as needed. Candidate should be able to lift and carry equipment as necessary.

Preferred Experience

Experience with the following is preferred:

• IP video standards such as SMPTE ST-2110
• Audio formats such as AES, MADI, DANTE and AES67
• System design, integration and drawing systems such as AutoCAD or Visio
• RF and transmission protocols such as ATSC, DVB-T/S, MPEG, PSIP, COFDM

Required Education:

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education/Training

A degree in Engineering or other technical-related field, appropriate certifications, and/or equivalent experience. FCC license and/or SBE certification is desirable.

Additional Information:

• Reporting Location – Chicago, IL
• This role will be covered by the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians – Communication Workers of America - ABC collective bargaining agreement.
• The pay rate for this NABET role in Chicago is $65.23 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits .
• The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.

The Disney Entertainment Television group creates original entertainment and news content for the Company’s streaming platforms and its cable and broadcast networks.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world‑class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with WLS Television, Inc., which is part of a business we call ABC Owned TV Stations.

WLS Television, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

To learn more about Disney's policies on the use of AI for candidates, click here.

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