Remote Encoder Technician

Remote Encoder Technician

This role is considered remote, meaning the employee will work remotely on an ongoing basis and will not have an assigned workspace at a company‑designated location.

Remote Traffic Operations is responsible for providing transmission, telecommunications, and internet access for all ESPN and ABC remote events. Transmission can include fiber, satellite, IP or a combination of all to transmit the event’s audio and video back to ESPN’s main Bristol facility, as well as to other facilities. Remote Traffic also provides network return and production returns back to the remote site, as well as transmissions between the event site and various other locations.

The department orders temporary telephone service to be installed at the venue to provide communication for the remote workers. Internet and Ethernet services may also be installed to provide temporary internet access, communications directly back to Bristol, or to enable VoIP services. Remote Traffic is also responsible for traveling to sites to supervise installation of these services at larger events, managing transmission services and vendors, creating budgets, and ensuring invoices for all ordered services are properly coded to their respective events.

The Remote Encoding Technician operates the onsite transmission and telecom services for ESPN remote events. These services include high and low bandwidth fiber optic transport, voice and data circuits, encryption and compression technologies, and other telecom services and facilities as needed. The role focuses on operating large‑scale, complex event transmission and providing onsite support for assigned events.

• Manage transmission and telecom services for ESPN remote events of varying size and scope.
• Plan and integrate necessary technical and operational aspects of the remote, communicating with Remote Traffic, Transmission, Remote Operations, and various other ESPN departments, as well as vendor sources outside of ESPN.
• Follow work orders containing service information for a particular event, disseminate work order information, and relay it to all relevant parties within a prescribed time period before and during the event.
• Plan and provide service and support of onsite transmission at remote sporting venues.
• Plan and provide service and support of onsite telecommunications at remote sporting venues.
• Attend site surveys for assigned remote events for venue analysis and written pre‑event plans.
• Maintain advanced knowledge about the operational and technical aspects of various telecom services and equipment at a level necessary and appropriate for fulfilling the department’s responsibilities.
• Ensure that transport services and equipment vendors meet and maintain ESPN technical and operational standards.
• Undertake special projects as assigned.
• Travel and provide onsite support during weekend and evening hours as required.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with organizational abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently in a demanding deadline‑driven environment.

• Minimum of 5 years professional experience related to broadcast or technical operations, including onsite experience with remote transport and transmission systems.
• Professional experience in operating processes of remote productions and remote transport systems.
• Strong knowledge of production workflow and operating systems.
• Strong knowledge of telecom services.
• Experience managing and implementing multiple budgets.

• High School diploma or equivalent.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.

• Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs, work nights, holidays, and weekends.

The hiring range for this remote position is $55 to $80 per hour, which factors in various geographic regions. The base pay offered will consider internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographical region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

ESPN Productions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive…