Assistant Chief Engineer

FOX4 (WDAF-TV) is looking for a hands-on broadcast engineer to work alongside the Chief Engineer keeping our television plant on the air, and to help build what comes next.

This is a television engineering job first. Our SDI plant, control rooms, and live newscasts are the product, and they have to work every single day. At the same time, the station is expanding into connected TV and streaming delivery, and whoever takes this role will have a real hand in shaping that side of the operation as it grows.

We would rather hire someone who can trace a signal, read a rack, and stay steady during a live show, and then teach them the rest.

Core Responsibilities Broadcast and Production Systems Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain studio, control room, and master control systems

Trace and manage signal flow across a large SDI plant, including routing, conversion, monitoring, and audio distribution

Support live news production, including Ross Over Drive automation, production switchers, graphics systems, and audio consoles

Respond quickly and calmly when something breaks on the air Create and maintain clear documentation of how systems are wired and how they are repaired

Information Technology and Networking Keep broadcast-attached servers, workstations, shared storage, and backups running in coordination with corporate IT Maintain switches, VLANs, and the networks our production and newsroom systems depend on Apply updates and follow the cybersecurity practices set by Nexstar corporate IT

Please note:

this is broadcast IT, not a help desk or enterprise system administration role. Corporate IT owns the enterprise side. What we need here is someone who understands how the network serves the plant.

Streaming and Connected TVHelp support and expand our connected TV and streaming encoding, distribution, and monitoring

Work with the Chief Engineer to plan how new delivery paths fit alongside existing linear infrastructure

Bring ideas about how the plant should evolve, not just keep the lights onNo prior CTV or streaming experience is required. Curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more.

Facilities and Operations Assist with generator, UPS, HVAC, power, and physical security systems

Support readiness during severe weather and power events

Assist with transmitter and tower site maintenance under the direction of the Chief Engineer Help maintain a safe, efficient, and reliable technical environment

Project and Vendor Management Research and evaluate new technology for integration into station operations

Request quotes, coordinate vendors and contractors, and oversee project timelines

Track capital and special projects through planning, installation, and documentation

Maintain accurate technical inventories and service records

Leadership and Collaboration Serve as the senior technical contact when the Chief Engineer is off site or unavailable

Provide practical guidance to maintenance engineers and operations staff

Communicate clearly with newsroom, production, and corporate personnel

Maintain a calm, professional demeanor under pressure and during live operations

Qualifications

What We Require:

Hands-on broadcast or live production technical experience. You have personally traced signal, terminated cable, read a rack, and used test gear Three or more years in broadcast engineering, television technical operations, or live production technology

Working comfort with Windows systems and basic networking, enough to be useful rather than expert level

Composure during live television, and the judgment to know what to fix first

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work safely in studios, racks, catwalks, and rooftop environments

Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

Willingness to be on call and respond after hours…