About this opportunity
NAB Leadership Foundation lists this Assistant Chief Engineer opportunity in kansas city, Missouri. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
FOX4 (WDAF-TV) is looking for a hands-on broadcast engineer to work alongside the Chief Engineer keeping our television plant on the air, and to help build what comes next.
This is a television engineering job first. Our SDI plant, control rooms, and live newscasts are the product, and they have to work every single day. At the same time, the station is expanding into connected TV and streaming delivery, and whoever takes this role will have a real hand in shaping that side of the operation as it grows.
Core Responsibilities
Broadcast and Production Systems
Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain studio, control room, and master control systems
Trace and manage signal flow across a large SDI plant, including routing, conversion, monitoring, and audio distribution
Support live news production, including Ross OverDrive automation, production switchers, graphics systems, and audio consoles
Respond quickly and calmly when something breaks on the air
Create and maintain clear documentation of how systems are wired and how they are repaired
Information Technology and Networking
Keep broadcast-attached servers, workstations, shared storage, and backups running in coordination with corporate IT
Maintain switches, VLANs, and the networks our production and newsroom systems depend on
Apply updates and follow the cybersecurity practices set by Nexstar corporate IT
Please note: this is broadcast IT, not a help desk or enterprise system administration role. Corporate IT owns the enterprise side. What we need here is someone who understands how the network serves the plant.
Streaming and Connected TV
Help support and expand our connected TV and streaming encoding, distribution, and monitoring
Work with the Chief Engineer to plan how new delivery paths fit alongside existing linear infrastructure
Bring ideas about how the plant should evolve, not just keep the lights on
No prior CTV or streaming experience is required. Curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more.
Facilities and Operations
Assist with generator, UPS, HVAC, power, and physical security systems
Support readiness during severe weather and power events
Assist with transmitter and tower site maintenance under the direction of the Chief Engineer
Help maintain a safe, efficient, and reliable technical environment
Project and Vendor Management
Research and evaluate new technology for integration into station operations
Request quotes, coordinate vendors and contractors, and oversee project timelines
Track capital and special projects through planning, installation, and documentation
Maintain accurate technical inventories and service records
Leadership and Collaboration
Serve as the senior technical contact when the Chief Engineer is off site or unavailable
Provide practical guidance to maintenance engineers and operations staff
Communicate clearly with newsroom, production, and corporate personnel
Maintain a calm, professional demeanor under pressure and during live operations
Qualifications
What We Require:
Hands-on broadcast or live production technical experience. You have personally traced signal, terminated cable, read a rack, and used test gear
Three or more years in broadcast engineering, television technical operations, or live production technology
Working comfort with Windows systems and basic networking, enough to be useful rather than expert level
Composure during live television, and the judgment to know what to fix first
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work safely in studios, racks, catwalks, and rooftop environments
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
Willingness to be on call and respond after hours during severe weather and power events
Preferred but Not Required
Experience with Ross Carbonite, or comparable production switchers
Windows Server and Active Directory familiarity
SBE certification or an FCC General Radiotelephone License
An associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, information technology, or a related field. Equivalent hands-on experience carries the same weight
The Right Fit
This position is designed for a well-rounded engineer who thrives at the intersection of broadcast and IT. You will be empowered to maintain, improve, and innovate across all technical systems while providing vital support to a fast-paced, live news environment.
The ideal candidate is a steady hand, a creative problem solver, and a trusted partner ready to help lead one of Kansas City's most dynamic media operations.
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Worksite address
kansas city, MO, 64101, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.