Job at a glance
Please apply directly on OPB's job board, located at OPB.org/careers. 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. 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 o