Broadcast Engineer (Communications Systems Specialist)

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is seeking a highly skilled Communications Systems Specialist (Broadcast Engineer) to join the Illinois Office of Communication & Information (IOCI). This position plays a key role in delivering reliable, high-quality multimedia communications and supporting live events and productions for audiences across Illinois and beyond. The Broadcast Engineer plans, operates, maintains, and troubleshoots sophisticated broadcast and communications systems, including satellite uplink/downlink, audio and video production, IP-based broadcast, livestreaming, playback and automation, and web-based distribution systems. Working in studio and field environments, the engineer provides hands-on technical support for live news conferences, State events, and multimedia productions, ensuring broadcast-quality audio and video and resolving complex issues under tight deadlines. The position also evaluates emerging technologies and provides technical guidance to management and production staff. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced live production environment. We invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of Communications Systems Specialist and help IOCI serve the State of Illinois.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college with major coursework in electronic engineering, radio/television, telecommunications, or data processing.
Requires four (4) years of professional experience in communications systems designs.
Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Requires a valid driver’s license.
Requires the ability to use agency technology/equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.) properly in accordance with information security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.
Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.

Nice To Haves

Prefers two (2) years of professional experience (or equivalent college broadcasting experience) working with Ku-Band Satellite Uplink/Downlink program and/or using equipment to livestream video to internet and social media.
Prefers two (2) years of professional experience providing technical advice and assistance in audio and video productions.
Prefers working knowledge of the tools required to perform technical repairs and maintenance of various electronic video and audio equipment.
Prefers working knowledge of the installation, maintenance, and operation of satellite, and audio/video equipment such as broadcast consoles and mixing systems, digital playback/automation systems, data/voice networks, and structured cabling.
Prefers working knowledge of software products such as Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and operating systems such as MAC OS, Microsoft Windows, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).

Responsibilities

Plans, operates, maintains, and troubleshoots sophisticated broadcast and communications systems, including satellite uplink/downlink, audio and video production, IP-based broadcast, livestreaming, playback and automation, and web-based distribution systems.
Provides hands-on technical support for live news conferences, State events, and multimedia productions, ensuring broadcast-quality audio and video and resolving complex issues under tight deadlines.
Evaluates emerging technologies and provides technical guidance to management and production staff.
Manages engineering functions of audio and video equipment, audio and video technical support during productions, satellite transmissions, and web-based distribution including posting audio/video to the internet and livestreaming.
Evaluates equipment performance levels to ensure optimum operational levels in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Inventories, organizes, and prepares remote satellite, video, and audio equipment for in-house and field assignments.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
3 paid personal business days per year.
13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.