Compression Engineer

Description

The company is a next-generation global media and entertainment company with three segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. Its brands span film, television, streaming, news, sports and kids programming.

The Compression Engineering team delivers video services to affiliate broadcasters in North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. It also handles contribution between key sites for daily operations and major live events.

The role keeps the primary and secondary compression systems and related systems running around the clock, every day of the year. It also covers monitoring for the Distribution Monitoring and Control Center, fiber distribution, ad hoc compression equipment and affiliate receive systems. You will run standards and quality control checks on all outbound services.

The role calls for wide broadcast experience, knowledge of current and emerging compression formats, and a solid grasp of baseband video, video over IP and cloud-based technology.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, monitor and troubleshoot full-time linear and ad hoc compression and encoding systems so transmissions stay reliable.
• Respond to equipment outages, malfunctions and related technical faults.
• Monitor and maintain Video IP distribution platforms that support affiliate delivery.
• Provide engineering support to the Distribution Monitoring and Control Center, including global monitoring platforms and compliance recording systems.
• Support the Technical Live Events team with engineering for global event contribution and distribution.
• Run diagnostic tests and carry out repairs and replacements across all compression subsystems.
• Keep accurate records of equipment maintenance, repairs and replacements.
• Test new equipment and compression systems and document the results.
• Work with key vendors and escalate equipment performance and diagnostic issues.
• Write and implement standard operating procedures, maintenance procedures and test plans.
• Help Affiliate Operations teams with technical support as needed.
• Handle short-term assignments that call for independent judgement.
• Take on longer project assignments that directly support capital projects.

Requirements

• Solid knowledge of MPEG4 encoding, encryption and authorization technology, baseband and IP transport, with hands-on experience on DigiCipher and PowerVu compression systems.
• Solid knowledge of baseband video, audio and metadata, and the ability to analyze and troubleshoot problems in them.
• Understand transmission signal flow and be able to read and produce system drawings.
• Solid understanding of IP theory and operation for command and control and video transport.
• Foundational knowledge of cloud-based architecture and applications for video delivery.
• Basic knowledge of architectural, mechanical and electrical systems and how they affect distribution equipment.
• Perform well under pressure while juggling several tasks at once.
• Strong computer skills, clear oral and written communication, and close attention to detail.
• Work independently, submit weekly status reports, and communicate with management daily on day-to-day items and projects.
• Legal right to work in the United States.
• Preferred: 4-6 years of experience with domestic and international television compression and distribution systems.
• Desirable: understanding of the television production process.
• Desirable: knowledge of satellite distribution, RF uplink technology and satellite reception systems.
• Desirable: experience using SNMP monitoring systems.
• Desirable: system drawing skills in AutoCAD, Microsoft Visio, LucidChart or Drawing.io.

Conditions

Full-time, on-site role that is considered essential. During severe weather, emergencies or when site access is limited, you must report to work to support business continuity unless your direct manager says otherwise.

Overnight, weekend, holiday and rotating shift coverage is required.

Some on-call coverage is required outside normal working hours.

Hiring salary range is $64,049.00 to $118,949.00 per year. Actual pay depends on factors such as location, market data, internal equity, skills, experience, training, education and performance. Base pay is one part of the total package.

The company considers qualified applicants with disabilities for employment.

Benefits

• Annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards.
• Health insurance coverage and an employee wellness program.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid holidays, sick time and vacation.