Maintenance Engineer Western Region

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 Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

The Opportunity

Do you enjoy hands-on technical work, regional travel, and solving complex problems in the field? OPB is hiring a Maintenance Engineer (Western Region) to help keep our broadcast infrastructure running across Oregon’s most scenic and remote locations.

This role blends broadcast engineering, IT/networked systems, and fieldwork, supporting the transmitters and systems that power OPB’s radio, TV, and digital services 24/7. You’ll work independently, travel to transmitter sites, operate company-provided 4WD vehicles, and collaborate with a close-knit engineering team that values curiosity, safety, and technical excellence.

If you’re technically savvy, enjoy troubleshooting, and want your work to directly support trusted public media, we’d love to hear from you.

Based in Tangent, OR | Regional travel required
Training provided | Union role | Mission-driven work

Check out our Oregon Field Guide episode on Tower Engineers to see the team in action.

Position Details

The Maintenance Engineer for the Mid Valley/Southern region of Oregon Public Broadcasting assists the Tangent based Chief Engineer in the design, installation, emergency repair, preventive maintenance, and technical operation of the various components of our broadcast systems. This includes television transmission facilities, directional AM radio transmission facilities, and sites containing radio and television translators, microwave relays, fiber optic distribution systems, and two-way radio systems.

Responsibilities

65% - Technical: In conjunction with the Chief Engineers, maintain the OPB equipment and facilities. This will include housekeeping and building maintenance at various transmitter sites and transmission facilities. This includes, but not limited to: TV transmitters, Radio transmitters, Microwave systems, Emergency Diesel generators, remote control systems, fiber optic systems, as well as the test equipment used to maintain this equipment.

20% - Travel: Travel to transmitter, microwave, and translator sites, using 4-wheel drive and possibly tracked snow vehicles. May include hiking, snowshoeing and tower climbing.

5% - Planning & Documentation Work: Documentation of projects such as equipment installation, system changes, and equipment operating parameters. Produce drawings and block diagrams of completed systems.

5% - Education: On the job training provided by the Chief Engineers in the use of test equipment as well as repair and maintenance of transmission facilities. Study towards SBE Certification is encouraged.

5% - Field Services: Interaction with viewers/ listeners, cable operators, for resolution of reception issues and quality improvements. Build working relationships related to broadcast facilities with Field Maintenance Engineers from other stations and/or organizations.

Working Conditions

This position is based in OPB’s Tangent, OR facility. Working conditions vary widely, ranging from the office environment to arduous travel, and significant activity outdoors at various transmission sites. The position may be required to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. May be required to be on-call to respond to technical and production emergencies.

Travel and work at remote sites will require the operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles and tracked snow vehicles. May also need to perform in the field, basic emergency mechanical repairs. Exposure to very high voltages and RF non-ionizing radiation is possible at most sites. The work may require challenging physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and moving up to 75 pounds, working in inclement weather, walking, or hiking around 2 miles (possibly in snowshoes), and possible tower climbing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of technical design, construction, maintenance, and operation of broadcast systems and tools used therein.
• Working knowledge of basic RF and electronic theory as it applies to broadcast systems, including radio and television transmitters, and microwave systems.
• Strong computer skills, with knowledge of networked systems.
• Ability to perform physical requirements of position
• Knowledge of outdoor safety and best practices when working in challenging remote conditions, including cold weather survival and wilderness first aid.
• Skilled at providing customer service to a wide variety of colleagues, stakeholders, contractors, etc.
• Ability to interact with the public and co-workers in a productive way.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Effective oral and written communications skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and efficiently.
• Basic mechanical skills
• The ability to work at remote sites in all weather conditions.
• Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in electronics, computer science, telecommunications, or Broadcast Engineering.
• Experience with broadcast and IP based television and radio signal distribution systems.
• Experience with AM directional arrays.
• SBE Certification

Additional Information

• This position reports to the Chief Engineer, is union represented, and benefits eligible
• The probable hiring range for this nonexempt position is between the hourly equivalent of $28.85 to $36.06 hourly, depending on qualifications.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and will requires consent to OPB conducting a driving record check. Employees will not be allowed to use a company or personal vehicle for work purposes without completion and satisfactory results of this check.

How to Apply

Click on the apply button below. You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume and answer a few position-related questions. Once you click “submit” you cannot make changes to your application.

This position is open 1/9/26 and the deadline to apply is 2/27/26.

OPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer