Nexstar Media Group
Engineering Maintenance Department Manager
Nexstar Media Group, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Overview
Nexstar Media Group’s Chicago operation (WGN-TV, NewsNation, Antenna TV, and Rewind TV) is seeking a hands-on, technically advanced Engineering Maintenance Department Manager to lead a team of highly skilled maintenance engineers supporting our mission-critical broadcast operation. This role requires a hybrid of engineering expertise, IT competency, and leadership excellence. The ideal candidate will be fluent in both broadcast and IT technologies and capable of managing complex, dynamic systems with a focus on preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and long-term system health. Responsibilities
Leadership & Management Lead and mentor the Maintenance Engineering team, including work prioritization, performance management, and professional development Delegate tasks appropriately to align strengths of the team with operational needs Communicate effectively across departments and with senior leadership Collaborate closely with IT Manager and Installations teams to ensure system integrity and coordinated efforts Oversee scheduling and support for studio productions, remote broadcasts, and special projects Technical Oversight Provide hands-on support and guidance for troubleshooting studio and field equipment, including HD/SDI/ASI signal chains and RF paths Ensure regular preventive maintenance and repair of studio equipment: LED walls, controllers, robotic cameras, anchor desk monitors, jib arms, Steadicams, Clear-Com systems, and prompter monitors Maintain operational readiness of all in-studio systems, including mechanical and electromechanical components Interpret and work from signal flow diagrams, schematics, and AutoCAD engineering drawings Manage LED wall systems including configuration and calibration across multiple studios Systems & Infrastructure Oversee the integration, maintenance, and operation of server-based broadcast systems and control room gear Monitor and maintain broadcast-related IT infrastructure, including networking, storage, and hardware platforms Troubleshoot IP connectivity issues across devices, control systems, and servers Support critical signal distribution systems including satellite downlinks, RF transmission, and IP-based streaming Support software-defined workflows and automation platforms used throughout the facility Collaboration & Communication Serve as a liaison between engineering, operations, creative services, and corporate support teams Work closely with IT to ensure alignment in overlapping responsibilities including network configuration, server maintenance, and system alerting Escalate and resolve technical issues swiftly to avoid impact on live production and distribution Required Experience & Skills Proven leadership experience in a broadcast engineering or maintenance department, ideally in a major market or national network environment Strong working knowledge of HD/SDI/ASI standards, signal flow, IP routing, and broadcast networking Hands-on experience with broadcast robotics, LED displays, control room technology, and studio camera systems Experience working with server operating systems (Windows/Linux), RAID storage systems, and remote access tools Proficient in reading and interpreting AutoCAD and schematic diagrams Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electronic systems under pressure Familiarity with satellite systems and RF transmission paths is a strong plus Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders Education & Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Broadcast Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a maintenance engineering or broadcast systems role Minimum 2 years in a team leadership or supervisory role Experience with represented employees preferred (IBEW 1220) Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, crawl under equipment, climb ladders, and perform hands-on work as needed Manual dexterity to operate tools and test equipment Must possess a valid driver’s license and safe driving record Location & Schedule
Based at WGN-TV Studios, Chicago (approx. 7 miles from downtown) Occasional on-call availability for emergencies or off-hours maintenance Must be willing to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a technically sophisticated, collaborative team that supports both a top-five television market and a rapidly growing national cable news network. We offer competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the ability to grow within one of the country’s largest media companies. #LI-Onsite Salary & Benefits
Salary Range: 140K to 155K Annualized - commensurate with applicant's experience and skill level Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes, but not limited to, medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) with company matching contributions, Paid Parental leave, life insurance and more.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Nexstar Media Group’s Chicago operation (WGN-TV, NewsNation, Antenna TV, and Rewind TV) is seeking a hands-on, technically advanced Engineering Maintenance Department Manager to lead a team of highly skilled maintenance engineers supporting our mission-critical broadcast operation. This role requires a hybrid of engineering expertise, IT competency, and leadership excellence. The ideal candidate will be fluent in both broadcast and IT technologies and capable of managing complex, dynamic systems with a focus on preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and long-term system health. Responsibilities
Leadership & Management Lead and mentor the Maintenance Engineering team, including work prioritization, performance management, and professional development Delegate tasks appropriately to align strengths of the team with operational needs Communicate effectively across departments and with senior leadership Collaborate closely with IT Manager and Installations teams to ensure system integrity and coordinated efforts Oversee scheduling and support for studio productions, remote broadcasts, and special projects Technical Oversight Provide hands-on support and guidance for troubleshooting studio and field equipment, including HD/SDI/ASI signal chains and RF paths Ensure regular preventive maintenance and repair of studio equipment: LED walls, controllers, robotic cameras, anchor desk monitors, jib arms, Steadicams, Clear-Com systems, and prompter monitors Maintain operational readiness of all in-studio systems, including mechanical and electromechanical components Interpret and work from signal flow diagrams, schematics, and AutoCAD engineering drawings Manage LED wall systems including configuration and calibration across multiple studios Systems & Infrastructure Oversee the integration, maintenance, and operation of server-based broadcast systems and control room gear Monitor and maintain broadcast-related IT infrastructure, including networking, storage, and hardware platforms Troubleshoot IP connectivity issues across devices, control systems, and servers Support critical signal distribution systems including satellite downlinks, RF transmission, and IP-based streaming Support software-defined workflows and automation platforms used throughout the facility Collaboration & Communication Serve as a liaison between engineering, operations, creative services, and corporate support teams Work closely with IT to ensure alignment in overlapping responsibilities including network configuration, server maintenance, and system alerting Escalate and resolve technical issues swiftly to avoid impact on live production and distribution Required Experience & Skills Proven leadership experience in a broadcast engineering or maintenance department, ideally in a major market or national network environment Strong working knowledge of HD/SDI/ASI standards, signal flow, IP routing, and broadcast networking Hands-on experience with broadcast robotics, LED displays, control room technology, and studio camera systems Experience working with server operating systems (Windows/Linux), RAID storage systems, and remote access tools Proficient in reading and interpreting AutoCAD and schematic diagrams Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electronic systems under pressure Familiarity with satellite systems and RF transmission paths is a strong plus Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders Education & Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Broadcast Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a maintenance engineering or broadcast systems role Minimum 2 years in a team leadership or supervisory role Experience with represented employees preferred (IBEW 1220) Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, crawl under equipment, climb ladders, and perform hands-on work as needed Manual dexterity to operate tools and test equipment Must possess a valid driver’s license and safe driving record Location & Schedule
Based at WGN-TV Studios, Chicago (approx. 7 miles from downtown) Occasional on-call availability for emergencies or off-hours maintenance Must be willing to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a technically sophisticated, collaborative team that supports both a top-five television market and a rapidly growing national cable news network. We offer competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the ability to grow within one of the country’s largest media companies. #LI-Onsite Salary & Benefits
Salary Range: 140K to 155K Annualized - commensurate with applicant's experience and skill level Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes, but not limited to, medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) with company matching contributions, Paid Parental leave, life insurance and more.
#J-18808-Ljbffr