Maintenance Technician, Network Operations Center
Team: Operations, Engineering & Distribution
Status: Full-Time/Regular/Non-Exempt
The Maintenance Technician will provide technical support of various PBS systems located at the PBS Technology Center in Springfield, Virginia, the PBS rain fade diversity site, and at various remote locations from the PBS Tech Center.
Essential duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Maintain technical support of systems which includes equipment monitoring, problem solving, training and routine maintenance to meet the PBS goal of 99.95% on-air reliability.
- Technical Maintenance
- Review and response to EWR (and RCSS tickets).
- Perform, test and report on daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual checks of broadcast equipment.
- Perform periodic maintenance needs.
- Respond, resolve and escalate system issues (on air & off air).
- Trouble shoot and resolve equipment issues
- Install and/or fabricate technical equipment and other electronic, electrical, or mechanical construction work as required with minimal supervision.
- Assistance with ongoing installations, projects, construction as requested.
- Monitor program delivery of satellite feeds to PBS member stations.
- Monitor PBS discussion boards and respond/escalate as needed.
- Organize and inventory equipment, parts and spares.
- Coordinate with other PBS T&O units and departments.
- Coordinate and monitor outside contractors working on technical equipment.
- Assist & coordinate with PBS member stations with questions and technical issues.
- Write, review and update maintenance SOP's.
- Provide recommendations on equipment needs.
- Provide recommendations on staff training needs.
- Provide daily reports.
- Participate in meetings to review, update, or modify workflows or procedures.
- Participate in meetings to review system issues (on air & off air) as well as outstanding EWR tickets.
- SOC Operations
- Configure and operate PBS owned earth station equipment to access satellite transponders and to provide uplink and turn around services for PBS and PBS customers.
- Coordinate satellite access' and de-access' in PBS controlled transponders from the PBS Tech Center network control center.
- Perform fault isolation and maintain systems quality using sophisticated evaluation and test equipment.
- Inspect and monitor the condition of critical systems and systems components.
- Make adjustments and repairs to modules and system components as required to maintain system reliability at a very high level.
- Utilize Spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, signal generators, audio and video switchers etc. to perform operations and maintenance functions.
- Operate PBS transponder management systems to ensure proper satellite transponder loading and power balancing.
- Respond to customer problems relating to satellite interference and ground equipment failures.
- Assist & coordinate with PBS member stations with questions and technical issues.
- Maintain the FCC master stations log for RF transmitters.
- Operate Monitor & Control system control of PBS emergency and diversity earth stations.
- Provide maintenance and maintenance assistance at PBS owned and controlled locations which are remote from the PBS Tech Center.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements for success:
- Minimum three years of prior experience in a broadcast or cable television environment.
- A minimum of an Associate degree in Electronics Technology or related discipline or industry experience is required. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is preferred.
- Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Must be competent in operations, troubleshooting, general repairs (down to the component level), calibration, installation and construction of state-of-the-art broadcast equipment including, but not limited to digital and analog signal monitoring, processing and distribution equipment.
- Knowledge of analog and digital television, video, audio, control, automation, tape, video servers, switchers and other television equipment.
- Knowledge of public television, including the needs of PBS, member stations and producers.
- Understanding of digital as well as analog, audio, video, RF and data technologies with system design and trouble shooting capabilities in each area.
- Must have strong computers skills with a good understanding of IP based LAN, WAN and Internet based systems with extensive experience in configuration and troubleshooting of routers, switches and similar equipment.
- Must understand high definition digital signal theory and be able to apply it on a systems level.
- Ability to support installation of video broadcasting and production equipment, primarily in a file/IP based environment.
- Experience working with IP networking equipment and systems - configuration and troubleshooting of routers, switches and similar equipment.
- Experience working with PC and server hardware and systems - configuration and troubleshooting of workstations, servers, interface cards, and similar equipment.
- Knowledge and experience with the following systems or equivalent;
- Omnibus automation
- Harris Nexio video servers
- Harris routing switchers
- Harmonic uplink encoders
- Sencore decoders
- Miranda i-Control monitoring & control system
- Crystal monitoring & control system
- Satellite modulators and HPAs
- Satellite antennas, controllers and associated mechanical systems
- ScheduALL resource scheduling system
- Remedy ticketing system
- BroadView traffic system
- Ability to work independently on assignments and report back on progress.
- Excellent time management skills - must be able to prioritize tasks and adapt to rapidly changing system requirements with minimum supervision.
- Excellent stress and crisis management skills - must be able to make informed and appropriate decisions under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills - must be able to work comfortably in highly diverse, cross departmental teams and interact effectively with member station representatives;
- Should be proficient in technical writing and presentations;
- Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or other high-end drafting software is required.
- Performing "hands on" work such as pulling cables, installing equipment, and related activities
- Should be familiar with applicable SMPTE, IEEE, ATSC and ITU standards
- SBE certification is preferred.
- Experience in a broadcast or cable television environment is required.
- Experience in public broadcasting preferred.
- Previous experience working with NABET union personnel is preferred.
- This position is shift based and will require evening, overnight, and weekend work.
- This position requires standing, and the ability to lift physical equipment.
- Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required.
PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities
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