Broadcast & IT Support (Only W2)

Role: Operations Engineer / Broadcast & IT Support

Location: Washington, DC - Onsite

Job Description

What We Do/Project

The Associate Broadcast & IT Support is tasked with timely and professional support in a fast-paced 24x7x365 field newsgathering/production environment. This position typically requires proficient IT support and some electronics skills. Travel (typically Domestic, but occasionally international) is required and the ability to physically lift and move equipment weighing 50 pounds or more may be necessary. Willingness to perform varied tasks when required on assignment to support the production. Ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations frequently encountered in field remote environments. Excellent customer service and communication skills (verbal, written) required.

Associate Broadcast & IT Support Engineers demonstrate expertise in analyzing and solving complex technical problems and are able to work independently and autonomously in a team-based environment. Ability to manage workload and workflow for a group of peers with assistance from management is essential.

This position will primarily provide field support but will also spend time in-house or assisting Broadcast and IT teams with project and maintenance work when not otherwise deployed in field.

Job Responsibilities / Typical Day in the Role
Operate a satellite truck and/or portable satellite, microwave and streaming equipment to provide multi-path transmissions (IP/Video/Audio) from outside broadcast locations. This includes equipment transport, set-up, operation and breakdown and may also include truck maintenance. CNN SNG trucks are multi-path mobile production platforms thus requiring one to be well versed in the operation and maintenance of on-board systems such as cameras, switchers, routers, encoders, RF and specialized transmission gear (MIMO, COFDM, bonded cellular).
Perform 24x7x365 broadcast technical support to include installation, maintenance and troubleshooting/repair of sophisticated streaming, audio and video remote broadcast production/television equipment. These include equipment at the DC Bureau and outside broadcast locations such as those on Capitol Hill, the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department and others, and the ENG crew gear. Coordinate technical installation with vendors and/or production teams.
Document quality standards, system anomalies, operational procedures, reference materials, and project work. Use of 1) AutoCad for system documentation and 2) ITSM ticketing tool to log incidents/requests. Ensure sufficient inventory of parts and technology supplies, working with procurement and asset management teams to order and track inventory.

Must Have Skills / Requirements
1) One or more years of experience in television, multimedia content, IT client service or broadcast maintenance capacity, with a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair broadcast and computer equipment at the board level
a. Live production experience
2) Ability to work under pressure
a. Will be working with some demanding partners due to supporting the news industry; Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomatic thinking.
3) Strategic Thinking and Resourcefulness
a. Highly motivated individuals who are prepared. Ability to ask questions when needed. Self-starters who can find work to be done to assist the wider team (partnership skills).

Nice to Have Skills / Preferred Requirements
1) Willingness to learn proprietary equipment and applications
2) Exposure to technology companies such as Sony, Harmonic, Evertz, etc.
3) Microsoft network certification or similar
4) Software programming skills (HTML, V.B., C++, scripting, etc)
5) Autocad, MS Office Suite, Visio experience
6) Familiarity with ITSM Service Management processes
7) Bilingual or multi-lingual ability.

Soft Skills:
1) Demonstrates experience with television or multimedia production workflows
2) Ability to work all shifts associated with 24x7x365 production environments
3) Capable of lifting 50 lbs. and climbing ladders for equipment and cable installation assignments

Technology Requirements:
1) Demonstrated familiarity with basic server, networking topology and operating systems (e.g., Windows, Unix, etc.)

Education / Certifications
1) 2 or 4 year technical degree, preferably electronics or computer engineering (or equivalent education/experience/training).
2) Specific certifications may be required to work on proprietary equipment/systems (e.g., Cisco, Harmonic).
3) Must obtain a CDL Class B License