Director of Engineering

Hearst•Des Moines, IA

19h

About The Position

KCCI , the CBS-affiliated Hearst Television station in Des Moines, IA has an opening for a Director of Engineering . You will lead a forward-thinking team in a dynamic broadcast and digital environment, ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and continual innovation of all technology and broadcast systems, infrastructure, and facilities. This position reports directly to the station’s President/General Manager and serves on the Department Head team. You will oversee all technical and operational aspects of the station, from operations to transmission, and play a key leadership role in advancing the station’s broadcast, digital, and IT strategies. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strong leadership, communication, and planning skills, and thrives in a fast-paced environment that values innovation and teamwork.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in broadcast engineering, including 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Strong background in IP-based broadcast systems, automation, and IT infrastructure.
Proficiency with RF transmission, signal flow, and production systems.
FCC General Class License or SBE Certification preferred; related military experience will be considered.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the engineering and IT teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Provide mentorship, professional development, and performance evaluations for technical staff.
Oversee scheduling, hiring, and resource allocation to ensure efficient station operations.
Collaborate with department heads to align engineering initiatives with station goals.
Develop and manage capital and operating budgets, ensuring effective use of resources.
Oversee the maintenance, repair, and modernization of all broadcast, production, and IT systems.
Ensure reliable performance of studio, transmission, and digital systems, including automation, routing, signal distribution, and IP-based workflows.
Implement and maintain emerging technologies that enhance on-air and digital product quality.
Ensure compliance with FCC regulations, industry standards, and cybersecurity best practices.
Oversee all studio and field equipment supporting broadcast and production operations.
Oversee building infrastructure, including electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems, ensuring facility reliability and safety.
Monitor multiple air channels, maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring on-air quality control.
Coordinate with vendors and contractors for maintenance, installations, and upgrades.
Ensure IT integrity and infrastructure security, including networking, servers, and storage systems.
Schedule and perform preventative maintenance on broadcast and IT systems to minimize downtime.
Maintain transmitter, satellite antenna, and signal distribution systems.
Keep detailed documentation of equipment inventory, service records, and system configurations.
Guarantee compliance with all FCC, OSHA, and corporate safety standards.
Identify and implement new technologies that improve efficiency, performance, and content delivery.
Collaborate on strategic initiatives that drive technological innovation across broadcast and digital platforms.
Support a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence within the engineering department.