Broadcast Engineer Lead

KUSA is seeking a Broadcast Engineer Lead to drive innovation and maintain excellence across our broadcast and IT infrastructure. This is a pivotal role for a technical visionary who balances hands-on expertise with strategic project leadership.

The Broadcast Engineer Lead is responsible for shaping system design decisions, defining local engineering standards, and leading complex projects that directly impact station operations. Operating with significant autonomy, you will not only execute tasks but also take full accountability for technical outcomes, ensuring our 24/7 environment remains resilient, modern, and efficient.

Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership & Ownership
• System Accountability: Serve as the primary technical owner for key broadcast and IT systems; ensure reliability, scalability, and long-term performance.
• Strategic Direction: Make independent decisions regarding system architecture and technical standards within corporate guidelines.
• Modernization: Proactively identify opportunities for upgrades and recommend technology roadmaps aligned with evolving business needs.
• Influence & Mentorship: Act as the technical authority and escalation point for engineering staff; mentor team members by setting direction and reviewing work for quality.

Project Leadership & Design

• End-to-End Project Management: Lead the planning, technical design, and execution of major local, capital, and corporate engineering projects.
• Scope & Risk: Establish project scope, technical approaches, sequencing, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure timely delivery.
• Systems Integration: Design and approve the integration of studios, control rooms, transmission infrastructure, automation, and digital asset management systems.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with corporate engineering, vendors, IT security, and station leadership to translate technical strategy into business outcomes.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• System Maintenance: Maintain and upgrade infrastructure including servers, storage, workstations, network systems, and assist with facilities coordination of HVAC, UPS, and backup power.
• Complex Troubleshooting: Oversee the resolution of systemic issues and manage technical support documentation to minimize downtime.
• Security & Regulatory Standards: Ensure strict adherence to FCC regulations, IT security protocols, OSHA requirements, and disaster recovery readiness.
• Documentation: Define and maintain rigorous local engineering standards, wiring documentation, and operating procedures.

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in engineering, Information Technology, or a related field; equivalent professional experience also considered.
• Minimum 5 years in broadcast operations/technology with a proven track record of leading complex technical projects.
• Hands-on experience with broadcast systems, networking, servers, and desktop support. Knowledge of satellite, microwave, and IP newsgathering technologies is highly preferred.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems under high pressure, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays and participate in an on‑call rotation to support a 24/7 news operation.