Broadcast Engineer

Sky News Arabia , an IMI company, is a leading pan-Arab news organisation, broadcasting 24/7 across the Arabic-speaking world through a free-to-air TV channel, radio station, and a myriad of online platforms to bring audiences fast, accurate news and information. With nearly 400 dedicated staff and multimedia journalists, we operate from multiple bureaux across MENA, Europe, and the US, ensuring comprehensive coverage of breaking news, business, lifestyle, arts, culture, and sports. Sky News Arabia is also committed to empowering the next generation of media professionals through its training arm, Sky News Arabia Academy. Sky News Arabia is a joint venture between IMI and Sky UK.

Role Summary

As a Broadcast Engineer, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day support of end users & the broadcast systems within the facility and remote bureau locations, supporting the Broadcast Hardware Environment and Software Systems to ensure smooth running of the News Channel. Acting as the 1st and 2nd line support for all aspects of Broadcast Engineering and Broadcast IT in a 24-hour operation, you will have previous experience of working within a fast-paced environment as part of a team, with the ability to efficiently overcome any issues to ensure the channel remains on air.

Key Responsibilities

• Shift/on-Call support requirement within the role.
• Provide technical support (including Desktop support if required) to the newsroom and operational team.
• Manage and monitor Software systems within the broadcast environment.
• Assist with support for 24/7 Live News production Studio, NOC, MCR, Ingest, Avid Newsroom System, Adobe & Avid Media Composer Edit suites, library, Transmission, Radio, Digital Production & all technical areas when needed.
• Resolve any Hardware issues and liaise with suppliers for the replacement of faulty hardware.
• Plan and implement change at approved time windows.
• Ensure all documentation and configurations are kept up to date.
• Ensure that all new services go through the handover process and are "fit for purpose".
• To monitor the environment to ensure the systems is operating to its optimal configuration.
• Will follow up all issues with suppliers resulting in an explanation for the fault, a permanent fix or a workaround ensuring the process is documented.
• Take responsibility for, resolve, follow up and document issues.
• Update system documentation, labelling and configuration with changes.
• Identify, plan & execute all maintenance tasks as per the schedule & relevant maintenance records up to date.
• Identify, research, and present business cases for improving systems and present some new concepts and technologies.
• Support and participate in knowledge transfer and training within the team.
• Able to explore area of improvements in workflows or in any part of the system under your ownership and submit plans for implementation.

Role Requirements

• Diploma/Degree in relevant engineering disciplines.
• 5 years’ Experience in Broadcast Engineer role in a 24 x 7 news channel.
• Strong Broadcast & IT skills to support all broadcast IT systems is essential.
• Very good foundation in Analog / digital audio-video technology.
• Good experience in supporting all broadcast technical areas/systems & to provide work around solutions.
• Knowledge of broadcast rules and regulations.
• Familiar with broadcast systems from contribution through to distribution.
• Expertise in systems like Avid Media central NRCS, Newsroom production systems, Evertz ST-2110 based IP Media Transport Infrastructure, VIZRT graphic system and Studio Automation, Imagine Versio & ADC Transmission Automation system, Broadcast Traffic & Scheduling System, Grass valley vision mixers & cameras, AR/VR/XR Graphics system, Camera Robotic, LTO based Tape Library and Archive System, Bonded Cellular Technology etc. is an advantage.
• Knowledge of SMPTE 2110 & NDI based standards relating to IP Media Transport, NMOS Specifications, PTP and Studio IP workflows are desirable.
• Fully conversant with all test and monitoring broadcast equipment.
• The capacity to analyse a situation quickly and effectively, to assess and react in a logical manner to an evolving situation and to grasp the important elements.
• Familiar with Windows & Apple Mac OSs.
• Knowledge in Video over IP & IP based contribution of Video is an advantage.
• Hands on experience of SAN and NAS.
• Proficiency in Auto CAD is an advantage.
• Knowledge in RF uplink/Downlink systems and experience in FlyAway/DSNG workflow is an advantage.
• Ability to work in a high pressured environment.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Arabic speaker is preferred.