Senior Broadcast Transmission Engineer

Senior Broadcast Transmission Engineer

New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) is seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented, and strategically minded senior engineer to lead the installation, maintenance, and long-term planning of all technical systems supporting our statewide broadcast network and its facilities. This includes 14 transmission sites, satellite systems, studios, and physical plant infrastructure at both headquarters and remote locations. The Senior Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted service to our listeners, regulatory compliance, and the safety and efficiency of our facilities.

NHPR is an independent and trusted source for news and information, and the state's largest radio news service. Each day NHPR delivers local content reported by our award-winning newsroom and national news from NPR, broadcasting across New Hampshire from our network of transmission sites.

This is a full-time, exempt, on-site role based in Concord, NH, reporting to the COO. The starting salary range for this position is $80,000 – 106,000 based on experience. We also consider internal equity, among other factors, when deciding compensation.

Essential Duties Include

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and upgrades of all RF transmission systems, including FM, HD Radio, STL/TSL, and IP-based distribution.
• Serve as the organization's Chief Operator as defined by the FCC, ensuring strict compliance with all FCC rules, FAA guidelines, and other regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and redundancy plans to ensure uninterrupted broadcast operations.
• Ability to respond to broadcast issues nights and weekends as needed.

Other Duties Include

Transmission Facilities:

• Manage the operation, upkeep, and safety of NHPR's transmission facilities, towers, and associated support buildings.
• Oversee HVAC, electrical, power backup (generators, UPS), and site security systems for all facilities.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and respond to urgent facilities issues to minimize downtime.

Leadership & Planning:

• Develop long-term capital improvement plans for technical and facilities infrastructure, including cost estimates, timelines, and vendor selection.
• Manage engineering budgets, approve expenditures, and coordinate purchasing and vendor contracts.
• Supervise contractors and outside service providers.
• Participate in organizational strategic planning, advising on technology trends and infrastructure needs.
• Liaison to State EAS officials.

Project Management:

• Lead design and implementation of studio or transmission sites, facility renovations, and technical upgrades.
• Oversee remote broadcast and live event technical planning, ensuring seamless on-site execution.

Collaboration & Training:

• Work closely with content, digital, and technology teams to ensure smooth integration of technical systems into NHPR's workflows.
• Provide training and technical guidance to staff on use of broadcast and facility systems.
• Stay up to date on current technology and seek opportunities to learn new skills
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years in a senior engineering role within a broadcast/studio production environment or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FM RF transmission systems and HD Radio technology, such as Nautel VS-, NV-, and GV-series FM/HD
• Strong understanding of IP networking, satellite uplink/downlink systems, and digital STL microwave systems.
• Experience in building systems management (HVAC, power, electrical, security) and facilities operations.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements (FCC, FAA, OSHA, local building codes) and CFR Title 47, Part 73, "Radio Broadcast Services".
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory motor vehicle record; ability to travel statewide and work at heights when required.
• Ability to bend, crouch, stoop, climb and lift up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 60 pounds occasionally.
• Experience troubleshooting audio transport systems, including Audio over IP/Ethernet, AES digital audio, analog audio, Studio to Transmitter Links, IP Audio Codecs, etc.

Other qualifications that might be useful:

• BS in a related field and two years of broadcast/studio engineering experience, or AS in a related field and 7+ years in general broadcast/studio engineering experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of broadcast studio systems
• Basic video production knowledge
• SBE certification preferred
• CCNA or Network+ certification preferred

Compensation & Benefits:

This is a full time, exempt position and the salary range for this role is $80,000 – 106,000 annually. NHPR offers a generous benefits package that includes health and dental insurance; company-paid short and long-term disability; flexible spending accounts; 403(b) savings plan with a company match; and a free on-site fitness center. Employees are entitled to three weeks of vacation time and 14 paid holidays, as well as paid sick and parental leave.

Things to Know About Us:

NHPR is the state's foremost news organization, focused on producing accountability journalism and engaging deeply with the diverse communities and people of the Granite State. For 40 years, NHPR has produced incisive local news on the radio and emerging audio platforms, complementing the national and global reporting of our partners at NPR. NHPR is the winner of multiple National Edward R. Murrow Awards for overall excellence from 2015 through 2023 and a finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer in Audio Journalism. We make nationally prominent podcasts - including Bear Brook, Outside/In, Civics 101 and Document - and have a fast-growing footprint in digital and social media. We have over 23,000 member households, over 60% of which are sustaining members.

We seek people who are approachable, collaborative, empathetic, optimistic, and solution-minded. Together, we are building a culture based on earned trust, transparency, equity and inclusion. We hold ourselves accountable to our goals and our values. NHPR is intent on being public radio for all of New Hampshire, and to expanding our audience and advancing our mission and vision by deepening our engagement with diverse people and communities across the state and beyond our borders.

To Apply: Please apply on the job opportunities page of our website, NHPR.org, or through this link.

• Include a resume

New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) is committed to fostering a workplace that authentically represents the communities we serve. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and New Hampshire state law. NHPR makes hiring decisions based solely on individual qualifications, experience, and organizational needs. We actively seek to build a team that reflects the richness and diversity of our audience, creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard, valued, and respected.