Technology Engineer - IT, Audio & Broadcast R

Technology Engineer

Specializing in IT, Audio & Broadcast Radio

Who Are We

We are a global community that is driven by the creative spirit of Los Angeles. Through an inspiring mix of music, news, and culture, we bring joy and connection – online, in-person and on the radio. Always excellent, accessible, and often unexpected, we are a constant source of fuel for the imagination, education and good vibes. At least, that is what our members tell us.

As NPR’s flagship member station in Southern California for more than 30 years and a community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW is the next generation of public media.

How You’ll Make An Impact

The Technology Engineer, Specializing in IT, Audio, Broadcast Radio reports to the Head of Technology and will wear multiple tech hats and thrive on keeping the show on the air. They will navigate diverse technical challenges across IT systems, audio equipment, and radio broadcasting. Additionally, this role will involve various management tasks to ensure the smooth operation and development of our technical team and infrastructure.

We are seeking a highly motivated, multi-skilled engineer who specializes in IT, Audio & Broadcast Radio to join our dynamic team in Santa Monica, California. You'll be a critical member, ensuring the seamless operation of several crucial domains while also taking on management responsibilities.

IT Support

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Technical Troubleshooting & User Support: Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues related to computers, networks, peripherals, and software. Provide prompt and accurate technical support to internal users.
• Staying Current: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current IT trends and best practices to ensure our systems are secure and efficient.
• System Management: Assist with the implementation and maintenance of IT systems and infrastructure, ensuring smooth operation and scalability.
• Knowledge Transfer: Document technical issues, resolutions, and lessons learned to foster knowledge transfer and continuous improvement within the Technology dept.
  
  

Audio Support

• Maintaining Optimal Sound Quality: Troubleshoot and maintain audio equipment, ensuring optimal sound quality for recordings, productions, and live broadcasts. This includes a strong understanding and application of acoustics and audio signal processing principles.
• Studio and Equipment Management: Maintain an inventory and manage maintenance to avoid downtime and ensure equipment longevity.
• Live Performance Space: Ensure success of live performances by supporting all technical aspects of the space, equipment and workflows.
• Staying Ahead of the Curve: Keep yourself updated on the latest audio technologies and equipment to stay at the forefront of the industry and adapt to evolving needs.
  
  

Radio Support

• Broadcast Technology & Regulations: Obtain a deep understanding of radio broadcasting technology and FCC regulations to ensure legal and compliant operations.
• Signal Strength & Troubleshooting: Monitor radio signal strength and troubleshoot any transmission issues to maintain clear and consistent radio broadcasts.
• Live Broadcast Support: Understand the chain from performance to broadcast and assist with live radio broadcasts, providing technical support and ensuring smooth operation.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest radio broadcasting technologies and best practices to optimize performance and adapt to the ever-changing broadcast landscape.
  
  

Management Tasks

• Team Leadership : Help form and guide the technical team, setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring that objectives are met.
• Best Practices : Establish and foster adherence to guidelines, best practices, and standards within the team. Evaluate metrics to inform decision-making.
• Training & Development : Provide individual support and training to team members, promoting continuous learning and professional growth.
• Project Management : Oversee projects, manage timelines, and ensure successful project delivery.
• Vendor and Budget Management : Collaborate with vendors, manage budgets, and ensure cost-effective solutions for technical needs.
  
  

Here’s What You’ll Bring

• Customer Service mindset and team-culture needed for a technology-centric company
• Leadership skills to help form and guide the team in order to meet their goals and objectives, including a keen sense of prioritization and judgment
• Helping to establish and foster adherence to guidelines, best practices and standards, including individual support, training and highly attuned communication
• Ability to motivate and model behavior that helps others stay focused and on-task
• Strong analysis skills and ability to evaluate metrics for informed decision making
• Strong communication with a large number of stakeholders, with attention to detail
• Proven problem-solving and creative thinking capabilities
• Models and exhibits high energy, efficiency, collaboration and openness
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, effectively cope with change, handle risk and uncertainty
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with IT staff, audio and video technicians, radio producers, and other departments.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where deadlines and smooth operation are critically important.
• Work style that exhibits high energy, efficiency, collaboration, candor and openness.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a knack for finding creative solutions that address diverse technical challenges.
• 3+ years of experience in a technical support role. Experience in all three areas (IT, Audio, Radio) is a plus, but strong experience in two areas and a willingness to learn the third is highly desirable.
• Associate's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Audio Engineering, Broadcast Technology, or a related field or equivalent experience.
  
  

Preferred Skill

• IT: Proficiency in a variety of operating systems. Experience troubleshooting and administrating hardware, software, and networks. Experience with a ticketing system, project management tools, vendor and budget management.
• Network & Security: Experience with audio editing software (eg. Pro Tools), equipment usage and maintenance, and a working knowledge of acoustics, signal flow and the recording process. Collaborate with and support the teams working in the on-air studios.
• Radio: Familiarity with FCC regulations for radio broadcasting, radio broadcasting consoles, and radio transmission technologies including tower sites and associated hardware. Support the Chief Engineer at all sites on all tasks where appropriate.
  
  

What We Offer

• The applicable annual salary range for this position is $80-$90k, which is dependent on a variety of factors including; relevant experience, location, business needs, and market demand.
• Sick leave award
• Vacation leave accrual
• Paid holidays
• Health insurance (including medical, dental, vision, FSA, life and AD&D) eligibility
• 403(b) with company match
• Passionate office environment surrounded by an incredible community of curious and talented colleagues
• KCRW is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program - read more here to determine your eligibility
  
  

KCRW aims to be representative of Southern California, and candidates with traditionally underrepresented backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply. KCRW is an equal-opportunity employer and actively recruits to promote diversity in our workforce. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.