Chief Engineer, Director of Broadcast Technology
About The Position
WHYY is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking technology leader to oversee the engineering and technical operations that power one of the nation’s leading public media organizations. The Chief Engineer & Director of Broadcast Technology is responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, and future readiness of WHYY’s television, radio, streaming, digital, and content distribution platforms. This individual will lead a highly skilled engineering team responsible for broadcast transmission, production technology, network infrastructure, master control operations, and emerging media technologies. Works closely with Operations leadership on facilities, infrastructure, and capital projects. As public media continues to evolve, this role will help shape WHYY’s technology strategy, guiding the organization through advancements in streaming, cloud-based workflows, IP-based production systems, ATSC 3.0, digital distribution, and future audience delivery platforms while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and regulatory compliance. The position serves as a strategic advisor to organizational leadership on technology investments, infrastructure modernization, digital distribution, and emerging media technologies. The role is responsible for ensuring that WHYY's technical infrastructure supports the organization's content, audience, and business objectives across all platforms.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in broadcast engineering, media technology, or related technical environments.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams and complex operations.
- Experience supporting television and radio transmission systems.
- Experience with streaming platforms, digital distribution, and IP-based media workflows.
- Experience managing budgets, capital projects, and vendor relationships.
- Strong knowledge of broadcast transmission systems, studio operations, master control, and production technologies.
- Familiarity with Audio over IP, Video over IP, networking, cloud infrastructure, and digital media delivery systems.
- Knowledge of FCC regulations, EAS requirements, and broadcast compliance obligations.
Nice To Haves
- Understanding of ATSC 3.0 and emerging broadcast technologies preferred
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License preferred
- Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) certification preferred
Responsibilities
- Oversee all technical operations supporting WHYY television, radio, streaming, and digital distribution services.
- Ensure uninterrupted operation of broadcast, production, transmission, and streaming systems.
- Direct maintenance and operational support of broadcast facilities, transmitters, towers, studios, master control, and related infrastructure.
- Oversee engineering support for live productions, remote broadcasts, special events, and content distribution.
- Maintain 24/7 operational readiness and coordinate response to technical emergencies and outages.
- Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop engineering personnel.
- Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
- Conduct hiring, evaluations, coaching, disciplinary actions, and succession planning activities.
- Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on supporting content creation and audience service.
- Administer applicable collective bargaining agreements and labor-management relationships.
- Develop and implement a long-term technology roadmap aligned with organizational priorities.
- Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement.
- Evaluate and implement technologies related to ATSC 3.0, cloud-based workflows, Audio over IP, Video over IP, streaming, automation, and content distribution.
- Collaborate with organizational leadership to align technology investments with strategic goals.
- Ensure compliance with FCC regulations, EAS requirements, tower regulations, and all applicable federal, state, and industry standards.
- Oversee engineering documentation, inspections, filings, and reporting requirements.
- Maintain technical readiness for regulatory audits and inspections.
- Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
- Develop, manage, and monitor departmental operating and capital budgets.
- Research, evaluate, and recommend capital equipment purchases and infrastructure investments.
- Manage engineering-related grants and technology projects as assigned.
- Ensure effective stewardship of organizational resources.
- Serve as the primary technical liaison with PBS, NPR, distribution partners, technology vendors, consultants, and industry organizations.
- Manage vendor contracts, service agreements, and technical partnerships.
- Collaborate closely with News, Radio, Television, Digital Studios, Production, and Administrative departments to support organizational objectives.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
