WLS Maintenance Engineer

The Walt Disney Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The Walt Disney Company’s WLS-TV in Chicago seeks a Broadcast Maintenance Engineer to maintain broadcast systems and ensure seamless operations. The role requires hands-on work with audio, video, and control networks, RF gear, and IT infrastructure.

Responsibilities include installation, configuration, troubleshooting, end-user support, and leading projects while adhering to company policies. A minimum of 3 years in the field is expected, with readiness for non-traditional hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with broadcast audio, video and control systems, video servers, graphics & IT systems.
• Strong engineering, IT/networking, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with RF equipment such as broadcast transmitters, microwave equipment, etc.
• Excellent documentation and system drawing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Be a self-starter and able to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment, working both independently and as 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.
• Willing to expand knowledge with emerging broadcast industry concepts/technologies.
• This role may require non-traditional shifts, weekends/holidays, on-call or extra hours.

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

Skills

Broadcast engineering

IT networking

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Project management

Ability to learn quickly

Prioritization

Emerging broadcast tech

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

FCC license desirable

SBE certification desirable

Tools

AutoCAD

Visio

Job description

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

The ideal candidate must:

Basic Qualifications:

• 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
• Master Control automation systems
• 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:

• 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, IL 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.