Engineering Maintenance Department Manager

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.

112d • $140,000 - $155,000

About The Position

Nexstar Media Group’s Chicago operation (WGN-TV, NewsNation, Antenna TV, and Rewind TV) is seeking a hands-on, technically advanced Engineering Maintenance Department Manager to lead a team of highly skilled maintenance engineers supporting our mission-critical broadcast operation. This role requires a hybrid of engineering expertise, IT competency, and leadership excellence. The ideal candidate will be fluent in both broadcast and IT technologies and capable of managing complex, dynamic systems with a focus on preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and long-term system health.

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in a broadcast engineering or maintenance department, ideally in a major market or national network environment.
• Strong working knowledge of HD/SDI/ASI standards, signal flow, IP routing, and broadcast networking.
• Hands-on experience with broadcast robotics, LED displays, control room technology, and studio camera systems.
• Experience working with server operating systems (Windows/Linux), RAID storage systems, and remote access tools.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting AutoCAD and schematic diagrams.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electronic systems under pressure.
• Familiarity with satellite systems and RF transmission paths is a strong plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Broadcast Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a maintenance engineering or broadcast systems role.
• Minimum 2 years in a team leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience with represented employees preferred (IBEW 1220).

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Maintenance Engineering team, including work prioritization, performance management, and professional development.
• Delegate tasks appropriately to align strengths of the team with operational needs.
• Communicate effectively across departments and with senior leadership.
• Collaborate closely with IT Manager and Installations teams to ensure system integrity and coordinated efforts.
• Oversee scheduling and support for studio productions, remote broadcasts, and special projects.
• Provide hands-on support and guidance for troubleshooting studio and field equipment, including HD/SDI/ASI signal chains and RF paths.
• Ensure regular preventive maintenance and repair of studio equipment: LED walls, controllers, robotic cameras, anchor desk monitors, jib arms, Steadicams, Clear-Com systems, and prompter monitors.
• Maintain operational readiness of all in-studio systems, including mechanical and electromechanical components.
• Interpret and work from signal flow diagrams, schematics, and AutoCAD engineering drawings.
• Manage LED wall systems including configuration and calibration across multiple studios.
• Oversee the integration, maintenance, and operation of server-based broadcast systems and control room gear.
• Monitor and maintain broadcast-related IT infrastructure, including networking, storage, and hardware platforms.
• Troubleshoot IP connectivity issues across devices, control systems, and servers.
• Support critical signal distribution systems including satellite downlinks, RF transmission, and IP-based streaming.
• Support software-defined workflows and automation platforms used throughout the facility.
• Serve as a liaison between engineering, operations, creative services, and corporate support teams.
• Work closely with IT to ensure alignment in overlapping responsibilities including network configuration, server maintenance, and system alerting.
• Escalate and resolve technical issues swiftly to avoid impact on live production and distribution.

Benefits

• Medical (with multiple plan options)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company matching contributions
• Paid Parental leave
• Life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees