Network & Systems Administrator

Title: Systems Administrator- Broadcast Studio Environment
Location: Alexandria, VA  (On-Site)
Travel: Flexibility in working hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, based on project needs.
Clearance: Public Trust
The Systems Administrator designs, implements, and maintains network infrastructure to support live broadcasts, video production, and post-production workflows. This role integrates network solutions with broadcast equipment, manages IP-based video streaming and cloud-based video services, and oversees network-related subscriptions and user accounts. Ensuring security, compliance, and real-time troubleshooting during live broadcasts, the engineer also leads network projects, coordinates with vendors, and provides training to staff. The ideal contractor has at least three years of experience in network engineering within a broadcast or media environment, with expertise in networking protocols, hardware, security, and cloud-based technologies.
Key Responsibilities:

• Network Design & Maintenance:
  • Design, implement, and manage network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless systems, tailored for a broadcast studio environment.
  • Ensure high availability, scalability, and reliability of network systems to support live broadcasts, video production, and post-production workflows.
  • Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize network configurations to enhance data throughput and minimize latency.
• Broadcast Systems Integration:
  • Collaborate with broadcast engineers, technical directors, and IT staff to integrate network solutions with broadcast equipment such as servers, video routers, encoders, and IP-based audio/video systems.
  • Support the deployment and management of IP video streaming, multicast systems, and other broadcast-related network technologies.
  • Assist with the integration of cloud-based solutions for video storage, editing, and streaming, ensuring secure and efficient data transfer between on-premises and cloud environments.
• Subscription & Accounts Management:
  • Manage network-related subscriptions, including software licenses, cloud services, and third-party tools essential for broadcast operations.
  • Oversee the creation, management, and monitoring of network user accounts, ensuring appropriate access controls and security measures are in place.
  • Track subscription renewals, usage metrics, and account health, ensuring continuity of services and optimal resource allocation.
  • Coordinate with vendors and service providers to resolve subscription and account-related issues and to evaluate new services or features.
• Graphic Management for Monitors & Kiosks:
  • Manage and maintain the graphical content displayed on networked monitors and kiosks throughout the broadcast facility, ensuring consistent and accurate messaging.
  • Work with the creative team to schedule and update digital signage, incorporating live feeds, event schedules, promotional content, and other relevant media.
  • Ensure that all displays are properly connected to the network and that content is delivered reliably and in high quality.
  • Troubleshoot any display or content delivery issues, coordinating with both IT and creative teams to ensure timely resolution.
• Security & Compliance:
  • Implement network security protocols to protect broadcast content, video streams, and sensitive data from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and data breaches.
  • Conduct regular security audits, patch management, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Troubleshooting & Support:
  • Provide real-time network support during live broadcasts, addressing connectivity issues, bandwidth constraints, and other network-related disruptions.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve network issues in a timely manner, coordinating with cross-functional teams to minimize impact on broadcast operations.
  • Develop and maintain network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and standard operating procedures.
• Project Management:
  • Lead network-related projects, including upgrades, expansions, and new technology deployments, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Work with vendors and service providers to evaluate new technologies, procure network equipment, and negotiate service agreements.
• Training & Development:
  • Provide training and technical support to broadcast and IT staff on network-related topics, promoting best practices in network usage and troubleshooting.
  • Stay updated with the latest industry trends, network technologies, and best practices in broadcast engineering.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in network engineering, with a focus on broadcast or media environments.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs) and hardware (Cisco, Juniper, etc.).
• Proficiency in network monitoring tools, firewall management, and wireless network technologies.
• Familiarity with cloud-based video services (e.g., AWS Media Services, Azure Media Services) and subscription management platforms is a plus.
• Experience in managing network accounts, subscriptions, and digital content for monitors and kiosks.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure in a live broadcast environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical staff.