Broadcast engineer: Job description

A broadcast engineer operates, maintains, updates and repairs hardware and systems used across television, radio, podcasts and other channels, ensuring that programmes are broadcast on time to the highest possible level of quality.

Broadcast engineers work in a team with others including producers, studio managers, presenters, and other technical staff. As well as being spread across ever-expanding methods of distribution, the work of broadcast engineers takes place in a range of locations and work situations. In addition to studio or set work, there may be outside broadcasts, when sound and images are relayed live back to a studio or straight to the network.

Typical work activities

The nature of the work varies according to location and media of distribution, but tasks typically involve:

• maintaining specialist equipment for video production, broadcast and satellite transmission, and interactive media;
• setting up and monitoring audiovisual links between units in different locations;
• installing and testing new facilities and equipment;
• setting up and operating editing facilities in post-production suites;
• analysing and rectifying technical faults on equipment and systems;
• minimising loss of service at times of equipment failure by rapidly identifying and implementing alternative methods of service provision;
• keeping abreast of constant changes in technology by investigating new systems, techniques and equipment - especially new internet technologies;
• setting up and operating equipment and transmission links during outside broadcasts;
• designing and installing custom audiovisual circuits;
• repairing hardware, software and other broadcast technology systems;
• designing and manufacturing new circuits, hardware and systems;
• developing and using awareness of best practice in health and safety for the workplace;
• interpreting and implementing instructions and requests from producers, directors and other colleagues;
• communicating effectively with members of one's own and other teams and project members;
• keeping up to date with the industry by building and maintaining a network of contacts.