Broadcast Engineer

WNYT NewsChannel 13 is the award-winning NBC affiliate for New York State's Capital Region. We're a longtime market leader and we're committed to excellence in all we do. Whether it's live coverage of breaking news, investigative stories focused on finding solutions, or -- now more than ever -- top-notch digital content, we reach our viewers and followers across all platforms with the information they need to be informed, stay safe and plan their day.

New York's Capital Region is diverse and unique, offering a range of activities and experiences within reach all year long. Enjoy craft breweries and fine dining, water sports, winter sports, the hustle and bustle of city life -- or the calm, beautiful quiet of the Catskills. Albany sits just three hours from New York City or Boston, making experiences outside of the region just a drive, bus ride or train ride away. Whether you're an avid skier, a fan of farmers markets, enjoy theater, live music, professional sports, history, nature -- or all of the above -- the Capital Region has something for you.

When you work for Hubbard Broadcasting and WNYT, you're part of a team of dedicated and passionate professionals, pushing every day to serve our community. Here, collaboration is at the forefront, good ideas can come from anywhere and our community comes first. We're committed to the health and growth of our station culture and believe in a work environment that includes diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We strive to tell the stories of our community through the diverse eyes of our staff and provide an unbiased platform for all viewpoints. We push to advance our station culture through training, employee engagement and our everyday investment in each other.

The Broadcast Engineer role blends broadcast technical operations, maintenance, field transmission, and cross-functional support. The position is responsible for operating and maintaining broadcast Master Control and transmission systems, supporting field ENG operations, and performing routine building and vehicle maintenance. The position will participate in constant collaboration with Engineering and News teams to keep on-air operations accurate, compliant, and reliable, while also assisting all departments station-wide in day-to-day needs of IT and maintenance assistance. Please apply at this link: https://myjobs.adp.com/hubbardbroadcasting/cx/job-details?reqId=5001191799006

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

 

Master Control Operations

• Perform on-air switching of programming and commercial insertion to ensure timely, accurate broadcasts.
• Constantly monitor and maintain on-air accuracy of the stations' broadcast content and transmitter operation.
• Verify and edit automation playlists so schedules match station logs during shift and subsequent shifts.
• Record time-of-day events and maintain FCC station and program logs and other required records.
• Operate and troubleshoot all Master Control technical equipment; communicate technical issues to maintenance staff or engineering managers.
• Share shift handoff information and unresolved issues with the next operator.

 

Media Acquisition and Preparation

• Acquire and distribute media content via satellite and file-based delivery systems including Pathfire and Pitch Blue.
• Operate computers, servers, and routers for acquisition and distribution, perform file format transcoding, program preparation (segmenting), and storage management.
• Record and prepare video/audio material for program and news playout.

 

Audio and Production Support

• Operate audio acquisition and mixing equipment for production and live news; ensure sound accuracy and quality.
• Ensure proper operation of microphones and talent cueing IFB systems.
• Program and operate broadcast gear including routers, switchers, mixers, character generators, and related systems.

 

Transmission and Field Operations

• Operate transmitter remote control systems and assist with transmitter maintenance.
• Conduct Weekly EAS operations in compliance with FCC requirements.
• Prepare and drive ENG vehicles equipped with remote transmission gear for live news gathering; tune live reports via microwave, satellite receivers, or bonded cellular servers as needed.
• Follow vehicle safety rules, perform daily broadcast-related vehicle checks, and report incidents or needed repairs promptly. (It is not expected that the Engineer would perform repairs, body work or rotate/replace tires.)

 

Installation, Maintenance, and Repairs

• Install, configure, and test new equipment, low-voltage wiring, and technical systems in accordance with intended system design.
• Perform basic and preventative maintenance on broadcast, studio, and transmission equipment; keep maintenance records and notify engineering staff of required repairs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical faults; participate in major projects with team members.

 

IT Systems

• Replace and configure computer peripherals (Monitors, keyboards, mice printers).
• Run network and AV cables; assist with workstation setup and relocation.
• Perform basic IT troubleshooting for hardware, software, and connectivity issues.

 

Facilities and Grounds Maintenance

• Perform building maintenance tasks as assigned, lift and move heavy items as required.
• Assist shipping and receiving by unloading and distributing materials.
• Report safety or cleanliness concerns to management or the appropriate vendor. Assist in keeping buildings and grounds clean, safe, and orderly to comply with safety regulations, complementing the work of Company vendors. Such work is not intended to be part of the Engineer’s regularly scheduled duties.

 

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate status updates and technical suggestions clearly to the on-site tech team and engineering managers.
• Work with an on-site tech team to identify and finalize punch list items.
• Seek opportunities to expand skills and recommend process or equipment improvements.
• Work with Traffic and Sales teams to ensure our commercial inventory is complete and accurate.

 

Any Additional Duties Assigned By Chief Engineer

 

• Broadcast Engineering or Master Control experience necessary.
• Strong technical skills with broadcast systems and field transmission, including but not limited to:
  • Switchers, audio mixers, automation systems, character generators, servers, and file-based workflows.
  • Basic electrical, low-voltage wiring, and troubleshooting equipment; experience with preventative maintenance.
• Strong IT skills
  • Basic understanding of computer hardware and software
  • Troubleshooting skills for common issues (printers, connectivity)
  • Understanding of cybersecurity basics (password hygiene, phishing awareness)
• Ability to lift up-to 50lbs. unassisted, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and perform vehicle checks and grounds work.
• Regular on-call or rotation may be required for incidents and transmitter issues.
• Ability to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and OT as needed
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

This position is subject to pre-employment driving record background check. A conviction, violation pending adjudication, or adverse driving record more than 3 years old or does not meet the major violation definition per company policy will not, on its own, disqualify an applicant. The company will use background check information in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

When extending an offer, the company considers a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the candidate's work experience, education/training & key skills as well as internal peer equity and other market and business considerations.

The range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00 per hour.

For information regarding our benefits, please copy the link below and paste in your browser: https://hubbardbroadcasting.com/our-company/working-here/

We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability/vets.

Hubbard Broadcasting has been committed to representing the communities we serve since our founding over 100 years ago. The same holds true today. We know the best way to accomplish this is by recruiting and retaining top talent from diverse cultures, life experiences, and world views. With dignity and respect, we value YOU and everything that makes YOU uniquely YOU.