Description

About OPB

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures, business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

The Opportunity:

OPB is seeking to hire a NW Region Chief Engineer to lead the team responsible for maintaining the infrastructure that supports our content creation and distribution in our network center in Portland and at 17 remote transmission sites between Astoria and The Dalles. This includes maintaining existing systems and equipment (microphones, cameras, transmitters, etc.), while envisioning and implementing new infrastructure to fulfill OPB’s needs in the future. 

You’ll supervise a team of 5 Maintenance Engineers. [YS1] You will also have the opportunity to learn from and connect with peers who are also Chief Engineers for other regions. The ideal candidate will enjoy mentoring staff and sharing knowledge. The job consists of a blend of IT and traditional broadcast tasks, and as such requires an agile mind and an innate curiosity. This is an exciting time - as the technological landscape continually changes, we adapt our infrastructure to help us better support our content creation and to better serve our audience.

Position Summary: 

Oversees the maintenance and repair of audio and video systems across the Network Center and OPB’s Northwest region, while driving efforts to modernize and improve system resilience in alignment with OPB’s strategic goals. Serves as the designated Chief Operator for the Northwest regional sites, ensuring full compliance with FCC regulations.

Responsibilities:

70% - Oversee the maintenance and repair of existing installations and equipment in the Network Center and NW Region while rebuilding them to be more resilient, using technology to further OPB’s strategic goals and objectives.

•  Research, recommend, plan, design and implement technical and equipment changes, as appropriate, to further enable OPB’s content creation and distribution. 
• Oversee the procurement of equipment.   
• Develop and implement appropriate routine and preventative maintenance programs and emergency response plans. 
• When needed, perform preventative maintenance and emergency service in the Network Center and NW region.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of RF (high and low power systems for radio and TV), distribution networks, and Net Center systems and operation.   

30% - Management

• Supervise, schedule and review NW region operational and maintenance staff, including day-to-day activities 
• Set goals, timelines, milestones and follow progress of each project.   
• Develop and manage operational and technical budgets.  Assist the Director in meeting organizational and departmental goals. 
• Gather data to be used in reports and as indicators for future planning. 
• Build relationships with peers at other broadcast organizations and make contacts regarding service coordination, site leases, etc.
• Function as a resource and liaison between Technology and other departments (Content, Development, Marketing, etc).
• Working with the Member Center, respond to viewers/listeners, cable companies, etc. regarding reception problems.  

Working Conditions:  

This role operates across a range of environments, from an office setting at OPB’s Portland headquarters to fieldwork at remote sites throughout the Northwest region in support of our statewide network. The position may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, and may be required to respond to technical and off-air emergencies outside of standard business hours. [YS2] 

Travel and work at remote sites will require the operation of a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Exposure to high voltages and RF non-ionizing radiation is possible at some sites. The work may require challenging physical activity, including lifting a minimum of 50 pounds and moving up to 75 pounds, and working in inclement weather.  

Reports to:

Director of Engineering 

Supervises:

• Supervises 5 technical staff (spends about 30% of their time in that capacity).
• As a supervisor, plan, assign, and approve work; respond to grievances; discipline/reward; recommend hiring; hire; recommend salary adjustments; and prepare and sign performance reviews.

Minimum Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, including education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position (such as broadcast, video, audio or experience with large IP networks, etc.)
• Minimum of one (1) year strong supervisory and management experience
• Ability to maintain existing systems and equipment while envisioning and implementing new systems, equipment, etc. to meet changing needs of organization
• Ability to lead and teach others through the challenges of equipment management (installation, repair, maintenance, working through equipment failure, etc.).
• Creative thinker and problem solver with the ability to translate ideas into action. 
• Skilled at providing customer service, which includes the ability to explain high level technical issues to a wide variety of colleagues, stakeholders, contractors, etc.
• Awareness and ability to understand federal regulations governing television and radio broadcasting.
• Capacity to effectively manage complex projects, large budgets (approximately $1 million) and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity working in IP including local area networking, file handling, and protocol management as it relates to the broadcast environment.
• Ability to design and troubleshoot file-based workflows
• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing technological environment.
• Ability to appropriately and professionally represent OPB in the community and interact with co-workers and the public in a professional manner.
• Strong computer skills, especially in Word and Excel, and the capacity to quickly learn new software programs.
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to meet working conditions and knowledge/ability to observe appropriate safety practices.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn how to do basic emergency mechanical repairs
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB.

Preferred Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):

• Experience with content management and the development of workflow and process for a media organization.
• Demonstrated experience effectively managing complex projects, large budgets, setting and accomplishing goals while managing dynamic priorities.
• Experience in RF, fiber distribution and remote transmitter site management
• Experience in encoding, playout, automation systems, and production systems on both radio and television
• SBE certification.
• Experience in Visio
• Competent operation of 4-wheel drive vehicle and/or tracked vehicle.

Additional Information:

• This role is full time, benefits eligible, and unrepresented.
• The probable hiring range for this exempt role is $98,000-110,000 per year.
• This position has access to highly sensitive data and therefore must pass a background check.

Application Instructions:

Note: For the best application experience, it is recommended that you apply at OPB's job board, located at OPB.org/careers.

• Go to OPB’s Job Board, located at OPB.org/careers.
• Click the NW Region Chief Engineer job posting.
• Click “Apply” at the bottom of the screen.
• You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume, and answer a few required position-related questions.
• Once you click “submit” you cannot make changes to your application.
• If you have any trouble with your application please reach out to hr@opb.org.

This position will remain open until filled; however, we will begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews the week of August 10th, 2026.  

OPB is an equal opportunity employer.