Assistant Chief Engineer

Job Description

KCCI, the Hearst CBS affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa, has an opening for an Assistant Chief Engineer. You will help lead a team of technical professionals ranging from studio operators to IT and RF specialists to ensure reliability, efficiency, and advancement of our broadcast systems and facilities. This role includes oversight of the equipment itself and execution of both local and corporate-led systems deployments and upgrades. As Assistant Chief Engineer you will monitor multiple air channels, maintain regulatory compliance, and assure quality control of on-air product. With the resources of Hearst Television, there is a rare opportunity to be part of a market-leading news station that creates and delivers award-winning content that benefits the communities we serve. You will report to the Director of Engineering and collaborate closely with the IT Manager.

Responsibilities

Leadership:
Assist the Director of Engineering in overseeing all technical aspects of broadcast operations
Provide guidance and mentoring to technical staff
Support capital and operating budget planning and execution
Systems Management:
Manage and maintain broadcast equipment, including transmitters, receivers, and all equipment used in our newscast productions, studio operations and air path.
Ensure all systems comply with FCC regulations and industry standards.
Operational Support:
Oversee live broadcasts, manage troubleshooting of technical issues in real-time to ensure seamless transmissions.
Coordinate with various departments, including production, news, creative services, sales, and management, to ensure smooth operations.
Maintenance and Repairs:
Schedule and perform regular maintenance checks to prevent equipment failures.
Implement swift repairs and manage spare parts inventory for critical components.
Manage vendor contracts and scheduling of building maintenance
Standards and Change Management:
Maintain detailed records of technical procedures, equipment inventory, and maintenance schedules.
Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
Ensure that the maintenance staff adheres to IT integrity, security, and infrastructure as specified by Hearst guidelines.
Qualifications

Education: Will consider any of the following: college degree, trade school diploma, professional certificates, and/or military experience
Experience: Minimum 5 years in broadcast engineering. 2 years in a supervisory role preferred.
Skills:
Proficient in managing broadcast automation systems and IP-based broadcasting platforms
Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
Excellent communication and team collaboration skills
Exceptional customer service skills
Requirements:
Lift 50 pounds, climbing ladders and other physical activity associated with equipment installation
Must have a current driver's license
Diversity Statement

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization as diverse and varied as the audience we reach, ensuring that the content we create is more compassionate, and more representative of the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

Medical | Dental | Vision
401(k) matching
Emotional Wellness Support
Paid Time Off
Paid Parental Leave
LGBTQ+ Health Services
Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs