Director of Broadcast Engineering - Role OverviewScope of the Broadcast Signal ChainThe role owns the complete broadcast signal chain-from studio cameras, lighting, audio, graphics, production control and master control through satellite, fiber/IP, full-power and low-power television affiliates, OTT platforms and digital streaming endpoints.
The Director leads the Broadcast Engineering team and is accountable for broadcast uptime, audio and video quality, FCC compliance, transmission reliability, disaster recovery, cybersecurity coordination, capital planning, preventive maintenance, vendor management and technology modernization.
Scope of Leadership- Manages a team of Broadcast Engineers (II, III, and possibly Chief Engineer/Lead roles), including hiring, scheduling, performance management, and on-call rotation oversight
- Owns capital planning and budget for broadcast infrastructure (cameras, switchers, servers, RF/satellite systems, IT convergence hardware)
- Acts as the primary liaison between engineering and production, programming, IT, and executive leadership
- Ultimate accountable owner for FCC compliance, uptime, and disaster recovery/business continuity planning
- Sets the technology roadmap (e.g., IP-based video migration, cloud playout, automation systems, cybersecurity for broadcast networks)
Live Commerce & Product PresentationBecause Shop LC is a live commerce organization, the Director is also responsible for ensuring that broadcast technology supports the accurate and compelling presentation of jewelry, gemstones, fashion, beauty and home products. This includes camera quality, close-up product imaging, gemstone and metal color accuracy, lighting, audio clarity, graphics integrity, and reliable delivery of the Shop LC signal to customers across every television and digital distribution platform.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic planning: Long-term technology upgrades, vendor/contract negotiation, capital expenditure justification
- Team leadership: Hiring, training, mentoring, succession planning for engineering staff
- Operational oversight: Ensuring 24/7 broadcast reliability, managing outage escalation and root-cause response
- Compliance & risk: FCC regulatory adherence, safety programs (RF exposure, tower/ladder safety, electrical hazards), business continuity/disaster recovery
- Cross-functional partnership: Partnering closely with Production, Sales, Merchandising, Programming, Ecommerce, IT, Facilities, Finance and executive leadership to translate technical constraints/capabilities and ensure broadcast infrastructure remains reliable, scalable, secure and capable of supporting future television, streaming and live-commerce growth
- Vendor & contract management: Managing relationships with equipment manufacturers, satellite/uplink providers, system integrators
- Service levels & monitoring: Establishing measurable service levels, monitoring, escalation procedures and redundancy standards, and maintaining disaster-recovery plans for all mission-critical broadcast systems
- Incident response: Leading root-cause analysis and corrective action following significant technical incidents
Qualifications a Recruiter Should Screen ForExperience- Typically 10+ years in broadcast/media engineering, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management capacity
- Track record managing teams responsible for live production, master control, or transmission systems
- Experience with capital budgeting and vendor negotiation
Technical Depth- Deep knowledge of broadcast systems: RF/satellite, video servers, switching/routing, IP-based workflows, studio automation
- Familiarity with IT infrastructure as it intersects with broadcast (networking, cybersecurity, virtualization)
- Understanding of FCC regulations and compliance requirements
Certifications (preferred, not always required)- SBE certifications at a senior level (CBRE, CBNT, or similar)
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)
- Project management credential (PMP) is a plus given the budget/roadmap responsibilities
Education- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Broadcast Technology, or related field is preferred; equivalent hands-on experience with progressive leadership responsibility is often accepted in lieu of a degree
Leadership / Soft Skills- Proven people management (hiring, coaching, performance reviews, scheduling a 24/7 team)
- Strong communication skills for translating technical issues to non-technical executives
- Budget ownership and vendor negotiation experience
- Change management skills, especially around technology transitions (e.g., SDI to IP)
Physical Requirements- Remaining in a stationary position- often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
- Adjusting or moving objects up to 40 pounds in all directions, at times may need to reach above heard or use a ladder to bring files or supplies down
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers (often in front of a computer)
Benefits of working with us- Culture of openness and flexibility
- Balanced work life
- Opportunity to make a difference in the community
- Attractive pay and benefits including:
- Company-paid, employee-only medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 4% 401(k) matching.
- Company ME profit sharing.
- Up to 15 days of PTO & vacation time, maternity/paternity leave, company-covered short-term & long-term disability, paid training time, paid volunteer time, 1 floating holiday and 6 paid holidays.
- Corporate discounts & employee sales & discounts.
- Tuition reimbursement and scholarship (for dependents going to college).
- Employee Assistance Program.
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