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.
We would rather hire someone who can trace a signal, read a rack, and stay steady during a live show, and then teach them the rest.
Core ResponsibilitiesBroadcast 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
Skills Required
- Hands-on broadcast or live production technical experience, including signal tracing, cable termination, rack reading, and test gear use
- Three or more years of experience in broadcast engineering, television technical operations, or live production technology
- Working comfort with Windows systems and basic networking
- Composure and sound prioritization judgment during live television operations
- 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
- Experience with Ross Carbonite or comparable production switchers
- Windows Server and Active Directory familiarity
- SBE certification or FCC General Radiotelephone License
- Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, information technology, or a related field
What We Do
Nexstar Media Group is the largest TV station operator in the country. With the reach of 171 full power television stations in 100 markets addressing nearly 38.9% of US television households, and a diversified, growing digital media operation, Nexstar Media Group offers superior audience engagement across all media devices and local broadcast television’s unrivalled influence on consumers’ purchasing and political decisions. In 20 years, Nexstar has grown from a single station to the nation’s largest television company. This growth is fueled by an organization-wide commitment to delivering exceptional service to our communities and outstanding results for our advertisers. From the very beginning, Nexstar has cultivated an organization-wide commitment to providing superior, unique local content that is relevant to each of the communities it serves, while offering local businesses, advertisers and brands the ability to engage and connect with local communities.
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