Assistant Chief Engineer

Position Title: Assistant Chief Engineer

Department: KTWU - General

Advertised Pay: Competitive

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Deadline:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by March 18, 2026.

Position Summary: The Assistant Chief Engineer will be a primary assistant to the Director of Engineering and Technology for KTWU.

KTWU has been broadcasting local public television in eastern Kansas and portions of Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma since 1965. KTWU is also broadcast on K30AL-LD translator channel in southeast Kansas. The station license is held by Washburn University with studios located on the Washburn campus in Topeka, Kansas. KTWU provides programs and services that enrich the lives of those reached.

The Assistant Chief Engineer understands the technology, equipment, and processes associated with the transmission of signal to KTWU communities. They will understand the technological trends and changes that impact equipment and processes. The employee exercises a high level of autonomy in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the position.

About Washburn University: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions:
• Establishes work schedules for Broadcasting Engineers (Master Control Operators) to ensure all shifts are covered and broadcasting is supported by the Engineering department. Provide feedback to Chief Engineer to facilitate employee performance evaluations. Assist Broadcast Engineers, as needed, to monitor transmissions on multiple platforms, ensuring appropriate audio and video levels, making needed adjustments to maintain station standards; program guide information, data stream content, and other varied digital content, ensuring data is available and making appropriate notifications if concerns are identified.
• Serves as liaison between Master Control and Traffic to facilitate communication and ensure that channel schedules and automation to run schedules are met and daily broadcast logs are followed and accurate.
• Researches and evaluates technological developments to identify, plan, and recommend industry practices and innovative technology purchases to maintain and enhance KTWU broadcast, linear livestreaming, and on-demand streaming delivery.
• Works with Traffic to identify equipment needs relative to channel schedules. Schedules equipment accordingly and reports when channel and automation to run schedules may be affected by equipment shortages.
• Works with Programming and Traffic in the maintenance of KTWU's archive system.
• Reviews the transmission log to identify potential problems and works with the Director of Engineering to plan and schedule maintenance and repair work outside of the daily operation schedule. Assist Director of Engineering with monitoring of transmitters and operations to ensure equipment is operating at maximum efficiency and in accordance with FCC rules and regulations. Notify Director of Engineering if problems develop to seek direction and make or facilitate correction.
• Assist Director of Engineering with operations of the KTWU studios, KTWU primary transmitter site, the KTWU translator site, all microwave, satellite, fiber, and broadband interconnections, making sure all equipment and facilities are in full working order and that repairs are completed expeditiously to provide uninterrupted programming for KTWU viewers. Resolves problems and addresses issues related to equipment repair and maintenance, providing on-site direction and assistance to Broadcast Engineers in the studio or at the transmitter site. Plan and update a preventive maintenance schedule for control room equipment. Inform Director of Engineering of maintenance needs beyond routine work.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Five years of experience in broadcast technology with an understanding of broadcast, digital, mobile, and online technologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: Broadcast and public media, FCC rules, and Broadcast, digital, mobile, and online technologies.
• Proven capacity to work autonomously, research, troubleshoot, and recommend methods for repair, enhancement, or change of technology.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record under Washburn's standards.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to move and/or maneuver equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Completion of a technical course in electronics.
• Eight years of experience in broadcast technology.
• Certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers.
• Three years of leadership/management experience.

Hourly, Full-time, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm   
Background check and driving history required