Senior Operations Engineer

Tunbridge Wells, G , TN1 1QQ

JOB BAND: D
CONTRACT TYPE: 12 month FTC/ Attachment
DEPARTMENT: BBC Technology Operations

LOCATION:

Tunbridge Wells, with occasional work in Guildford and Brighton
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £48,700 - £62,150 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

This role will be shift based, operational hours between 9am and 7pm on weekdays, and there will be some occasional weekend and overnight work subject to advance notice. There will be some travel to sites within the Region, including Brighton and Guildford, other remote sites and/or travel to training venues, again subject to advance notice.

We are looking for a Senior Operations Engineer on a 12-month contract (or internal Attachment) to support Broadcast technology and systems used by our BBC Local production colleagues in the South East. This post will be based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with occasional travel to Brighton or Guildford.

As a Senior Operations Engineer at the BBC, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted operation of broadcast systems within the Tunbridge Wells regional centre, with its automated TV Gallery system and Local Radio studios.

You will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimising broadcast equipment, infrastructure, and workflows to support both live and recorded content transmission.

• Monitor, maintain, and support broadcast systems across TV and Radio, as well as IP-based infrastructure across the Region.
• Perform scheduled and reactive maintenance on broadcast infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.
• Collaborate with Systems Specialists and regional teams to implement system upgrades and new technology deployments.
• Respond to and resolve operational incidents swiftly to minimise broadcast disruptions.
• Provide technical support during Live broadcasts and special events, including Radio OBs (Sporting, Award Ceremonies and Music Events).
• Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, incidents, and resolutions.
• Maintain broadcast vehicles with technical equipment fitted, and perform quarterly checks to ensure their safe operation.
• Support building issues and consult with Facilities Management partner when required.

• Experience in Electronics, Telecommunications, Broadcast Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Proven experience in a Live broadcast environment (TV or Radio), preferably in a regional or multi‑site setup.
• Strong understanding of broadcast signal flow, video and audio formats (SDI, IP, AES), and transmission systems.
• Ability to diagnose and repair broadcast faults quickly and effectively under pressure.
• Proficiency in using broadcast monitoring tools and diagnostic equipment (waveform monitors, oscilloscopes, audio meters).
• Hands‑on experience with broadcast equipment (vision/audio mixers, routers, talkback, camera systems, video servers, etc.).

• Knowledge of key aspects of post‑production, long and short form editing systems, visual effects and graphics, sound design and mixing.
• Working knowledge of Windows and Mac based systems and software.
• Knowledge of Cloud based systems and software.
• Knowledge of Virtual Machines useful, but not essential.

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Please note:

If you are offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks;
Eligibility to work checks; and, if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

Befo…