Director of Engineering

JOB DESCRIPTION

KCCI, the CBS‑affiliated Hearst Television station in Des Moines, IA has an opening for a Director of Engineering. You will lead a forward‑thinking team in a dynamic broadcast and digital environment, ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and continual innovation of all technology and broadcast systems, infrastructure, and facilities. This position reports directly to the station's President/General Manager and serves on the Department Head team.

You will oversee all technical and operational aspects of the station, from operations to transmission, and play a key leadership role in advancing the station's broadcast, digital, and IT strategies. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strong leadership, communication, and planning skills, and thrives in a fast‑paced environment that values innovation and teamwork.

• Lead and manage the engineering and IT teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Provide mentorship, professional development, and performance evaluations for technical staff.
• Oversee scheduling, hiring, and resource allocation to ensure efficient station operations.
• Collaborate with department heads to align engineering initiatives with station goals.
• Develop and manage capital and operating budgets, ensuring effective use of resources.

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and modernization of all broadcast, production, and IT systems.
• Ensure reliable performance of studio, transmission, and digital systems, including automation, routing, signal distribution, and IP‑based workflows.
• Implement and maintain emerging technologies that enhance on‑air and digital product quality.
• Ensure compliance with FCC regulations, industry standards, and cybersecurity best practices.

• Oversee all studio and field equipment supporting broadcast and production operations.
• Oversee building infrastructure, including electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems, ensuring facility reliability and safety.
• Monitor multiple air channels, maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring on‑air quality control.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for maintenance, installations, and upgrades.
• Ensure IT integrity and infrastructure security, including networking, servers, and storage systems.

• Schedule and perform preventative maintenance on broadcast and IT systems to minimize downtime.
• Maintain transmitter, satellite antenna, and signal distribution systems.
• Keep detailed documentation of equipment inventory, service records, and system configurations.
• Guarantee compliance with all FCC, OSHA, and corporate safety standards.

• Identify and implement new technologies that improve efficiency, performance, and content delivery.
• Collaborate on strategic initiatives that drive technological innovation across broadcast and digital platforms.
• Support a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence within the engineering department.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in broadcast engineering, including 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong background in IP‑based broadcast systems, automation, and IT infrastructure.
• Proficiency with RF transmission, signal flow, and production systems.
• FCC General Class License or SBE Certification preferred; related military experience will be considered.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Innovation: Work at the forefront of broadcast technology, with opportunities to lead modernization and digital transformation initiatives.

Impact: Play a critical role in maintaining technical excellence and driving the success of a respected media organization.

Growth: Advance your career in a company that values leadership development and creative problem‑solving.

Culture: Join a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages innovation, diversity, and community engagement.

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day.…