Engineering Director

This is a Full Time Job

Director of Engineering – KTTV Fox 11 (Los Angeles)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Department: Engineering & Operations

Reports To: Vice President of Engineering

Position Summary

KTTV Fox 11 is seeking a technically grounded and organized Director of Engineering to lead the day-to-day operations of our Los Angeles station. Supporting the VP of Engineering, Operations and Technology and working with other Engineering Management, this role is responsible for the technical integrity, maintenance, and reliable execution of the station's broadcast and studio infrastructure.

The successful candidate provides senior leadership for a multi-disciplinary engineering team in a 24/7 major market news environment, ensuring that all production, transmission, and IT-supported systems operate at peak performance.

Primary Accountabilities
• Operational Leadership: Oversee the daily technical operations of the station, ensuring the highest standards of production quality and signal reliability.
• Staff Oversight: Lead and direct the engineering maintenance staff, including the management of schedules and workflows for employees represented by NABET.
• IT Infrastructure Support: Support and implement corporate IT strategies and infrastructure. Oversee the local maintenance of enterprise-level SAN/NAS storage, network connectivity, VM Environments, and VLAN management for media-related systems.
• Streaming News Support: Support the efforts of the 24X7 Streaming Video operation including encoding equipment, Tricaster Switcher system, Chyron Graphics, PTZ cameras, and other supporting equipment.
• Systems Maintenance: Responsible for the health and performance of the station's core production technology stack, including Sony ELC automation, iNews (NRCS), Bitcentral (MAM), Chyron Graphics, Vinten Robotics, Sony Video Switchers, SSL Audio mixing systems, Evertz EQX and Magnum SDVN SMPTE 2110 routing systems.
• Capital Project Execution: Manage the implementation of capital projects (CAPEX). Coordinate vendor relationships, equipment procurement, and installation timelines to ensure technical goals are met within budget.
• RF & Transmission Oversight: Ensure the continuous operation of high-power Rohde & Schwarz transmitters. Installation and maintenance of Microwave (ENG/SNG) and Satellite uplink/downlink systems.
• Facilities & Compliance: Assist the Facilities Manager in the oversight of the station's MEP systems (HVAC, Electrical, and Fire Protection) and ensure full compliance with FCC, OSHA, EPA, and local regulatory requirements.

Technical Mastery & Proficiencies
• RF & Transmission: Expertise in Rohde & Schwarz transmitters preferred, ATSC 1.0 & 3.0 signal encoding and distribution, and Harmonic, Ateme, and Synamedia encoding systems. Sound experience with microwave and satellite technology.
• IT & Connectivity: Solid proficiency in broadcast-centric IT, including IP networking, SMPTE 2110/2022, Audio over IP including Dante, AES 67, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Production & Newsroom: Hands-on knowledge of Sony ELC, iNews, Bitcentral, and Vinten robotic camera systems.
• Infrastructure: Evertz routing, Chyron graphics, and RTS intercom systems.
• Broadcast Standards: Deep knowledge of MPEG2, AVC, HEVC, Dolby AC-3/AC-4, SDI, SMPTE 2110/2022.

Minimum Requirements
• Experience: 5+ years of leadership experience in television broadcast engineering, with a proven track record in a high-pressure news environment.
• Education: AS or BS degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field; SBE Certification is highly preferred.
• Management Skills: Strong organizational and project execution skills with the ability to lead a diverse technical team under union guidelines.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with station leadership, staff, and external partners.
• Availability: Flexibility to support a 24/7 news operation, including availability for nights, weekends, and emergency situations.