Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer of WOSU Public Media is primarily responsible for the proper installation, operation, and support of the technical aspects of the radio stations including all broadcast equipment located in WOSU facilities at 1800 Pearl and multiple transmission plants throughout the state in accordance with appropriate Federal, State, local and university rules and regulations. The Chief Engineer will report to the Director of Engineering. The Chief Engineer must have a thorough understanding of analog, digital, and IP-based systems and be able to integrate new technology and upgrades into the existing infrastructure as technology advances.

Key Responsibilities
• Install, operate, and maintain transmitter RF systems for proper operation within FCC, FAA, Federal, State, local, and university compliance with minimum broadcast interruptions or downtime of WOSU’s broadcast transmitter facilities.
• Monitor radio engineering budget and advise station and university personnel on technical options available in order to solve problems or to facilitate new projects.
• Supports technical and engineering needs in radio and TV engineering as needed.​

Planning and Administration
• Research, develop, and make recommendations for the design, repair, construction, modification, and installation of radio transmitters, interconnections, and studio equipment.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of annual operating budget for radio engineering.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of capital project budgets.
• Act as Chief Operator as required by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
• Responsible for station logs, EAS logs, license renewals, public file technical requirements, etc.
• Represent Radio Engineering at internal and external meetings as needed.
• May supervise part-time maintenance engineers and student employees.

Oversee Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Broadcast Equipment
• Install, maintain, modify, operate and support complex broadcast systems and equipment at a variety of transmission sites and studios.
• Preventative maintenance of all radio production and broadcast equipment, as well as FM transmitters and associated transmission system equipment.
• Conduct calibration, testing and verification of broadcast communications systems and equipment in order to ensure compliance with station license and departmental quality standards and as is necessary to ensure operation within FCC specifications and guidelines, including, but not limited to, digital audio consoles, IP-based network audio routing systems, broadcast automation systems, portable audio equipment, microphones, digital audio editing software, satellite systems, STL and T1 systems, audio processing equipment, digital production and transmission systems, solid state and tube-type FM transmitters, HD Radio systems, remote control systems, broadcast antennas, computer hardware, audio servers, computer operating systems and applications, basic understanding of TCP/IP networking and LAN/WAN environments. Building systems and utilities, including electrical, HVAC, generators and UPS power systems.
• Assist with the installation and maintenance of IT equipment and systems.
• Aid the IT staff in supporting broadcast computing and networking systems.
• Provide technical support and functional guidance of administrative/professional employees, including radio operations, on-air, production and news staff and/or direct supervision of support staff, contract engineers, tower clients, and outside vendors on an ongoing basis.
• Procure equipment and parts.
• Maintain engineering parts inventory and ensure adherence to accepted engineering practices and standards.

Minimum Education Required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum Required Qualifications
• Three years of experience maintaining digital and analog radio broadcast equipment and related IP-based equipment.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot highly complicated broadcast systems and equipment, including the ability to troubleshoot to component level when appropriate.
• Experience researching, recommending, and purchasing radio broadcast equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with colleagues and engineering staff in a creative, collaborative, innovative, respectful, multi-unit, multiple-project environment, delivering results with high standards.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to work well with diverse personalities and varying levels of engineering and technological knowledge/experience.
• Interest and willingness to keep abreast of industry trends and engage in practical learning in related areas.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and must be able to climb ladders and crawl on floors in order to access broadcast equipment and systems.
• Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record for regular travel to remote broadcast transmission sites within Ohio in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to be on call 24/7/365

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience maintaining radio and/or television equipment and facilities.
• Familiarity with audio over IP systems and consoles, and broadcast automation systems.
• Experience working at a public media organization.
• SBE Certification.

How to Apply

Apply online at https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Chief-Engineer-WOSU_R70494.

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law.