Audio Engineer

NPR•Washington, DC

15h•Onsite

About The Position

NPR seeks an Audio Engineer to join our Engineering Division. This position will work directly with journalists, producers, camera operators, and engineers at NPR and throughout the public media system to ensure the production and delivery of high-quality audio and video in a timely and precise manner. Primary duties include engineering live broadcasts of NPR programming, audio restoration and repair, recording and mixing audio for video, Master Control operation, troubleshooting technical problems, and collaborating with reporters and producers in a variety of settings. Our engineers work in broadcast studios, a master control facility, and throughout the networked newsroom to provide technical support and guidance in a fast-paced, deadline driven, 24x7x365 production environment. Our ideal candidate is a proactive, courteous, customer service focused, audio expert who is passionate and curious about technology and believes in the mission of NPR. This is a union represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with NABET.

Requirements

Two years’ technical experience with audio production (radio and/or TV broadcast, post production, live sound reinforcement, music recording, theater, ENG)
Experience with AVID Pro Tools and iZotope RX in a production environment
Proficient in fundamentals of audio engineering and signal flow
Proven ability to identify and correct audio impairments and mix audio to established loudness standards
Professional and courteous demeanor supporting a varied and demanding client base
Exceptional oral and written communication skills and ability to author training guides and operating procedures
Proven multitasking capabilities for fast approaching deadlines

Nice To Haves

Broadcast experience, preferably within public media
Expert level understanding of AVID Pro Tools, iZotope products and a variety of mixing consoles
Mixing while taking live direction from editorial staff in a broadcast, theater-tech, sound reinforcement, or similar context
Advanced computer troubleshooting, networking, or software development abilities
Experience with varied IP and smartphone audio transmission techniques
Operation of scheduling and audio routing automation tools and matrix routers
Field recording proficiency
Music recording, mixing, and mastering expertise
Audio for video, post-production, and sound design competence
Teaching or training experience

Responsibilities

Assemble and mix complex live broadcasts, streaming content, and pre-produced elements working with producers and directors in a high-pressure environment
Promote and maintain NPR’s quality standards by identifying and repairing impaired audio
Analyze, repair and mix audio on tight deadlines using common tools (equalizers, compressors, noise reduction, etc.)
QC, mix, and sweeten audio and video podcasts before publication using DAVID Systems MTE and AVID Pro Tools
Monitor inbound and outbound content streams and associated automated play-out systems. Rectify technical outages and respond to programming schedule changes quickly and accurately
Schedule, connect, and route media over a variety of IP transmission methods including Comrex, Riverside, Zoom, etc.
Test and ensure preparedness of in-house and remote broadcast and production systems
Consult, train, and support journalists in the use of NPR technical facilities and remote recording and transmission equipment
Teach and encourage best production practices and workflows
Provide technical support for remote events including site assessment and venue coordination
Troubleshoot unexpected situations confidently, calmly, and effectively
Communicate clearly with both editorial and technical colleagues
Keep abreast of current and emerging audio broadcast equipment, systems, and workflows
Write and update documentation for user support guides
Cultivate, promote and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in one’s work and in the workplace
Demonstrate awareness of intersectional identities and ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds