Compression Engineer

Job Description

Overview

An exciting opportunity for a Compression Systems Engineer has been created with Discovery to drive the delivery of premium content for the Discovery brand of channels across the globe; working primarily on delivering linear streams but also on other high-profile projects.

Compression Engineering is a team of engineers located in the Sterling Virginia Broadcast Center whose responsibilities encompass the aggregation and distribution of video services to affiliate broadcasters across North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific for Discovery and Eurosport brands. The department is also responsible for Contribution across the company, between key sites both for business as usual operations and major live events.

The primary purpose of the position is to maintain all facets of both primary and secondary compression systems and ancillary systems on a 24/7/365 operation. Additionally, this position will maintain state of the art monitoring systems for the Technical Operation Center, fiber distribution systems, ADHOC compression equipment and affiliate receive systems for Discovery services at both the DTTC facility and Discovery's Disaster Recovery location. The Compression Engineer will execute standards and quality control check processes for all outbound Discovery services.

The role requires broad experience across Broadcast disciplines, knowledge of existing and new compression formats and a deep understanding of baseband video, video over IP and cloud-based technologies.

Responsibilities
• Implement, maintain, monitor and troubleshoot full time linear and ADHOC compression and encoding systems to maintain reliable transmissions.
• Responds to equipment outages, malfunctions, and related technical problems.
• Provides engineering support to all Technical Operation Center systems for global monitoring platforms and compliance recording systems.
• Responsible for engineering support to the Technical Live Events team for global event contribution and distribution.
• Performs monitoring and maintenance of Video IP distribution platforms in support of affiliate service delivery.
• Conducts diagnostic testing, repair and replacement activities for all compression sub systems.
• Maintains required records of all equipment maintenance, repairs, and replacements.
• Performs and documents testing of new equipment and compression systems.
• Works with key vendors and escalates equipment performance and diagnostic issues.
• Creates and implements standard operating procedures, maintenance operational procedures and test plans.
• Receives work in the form of short-term assignments that require the application of independent judgment.
• Receives some long-term project-based assignments in direct support of capital projects.
• Provide technical support to Affiliate Operations teams as needed.

Qualifications
• 4-6 years of experience with domestic and international television satellite compression and distribution systems preferred.
• Solid knowledge of baseband video, audio and metadata with the ability to analyze and troubleshoot issues.
• Understands the signal flow of transmission systems and can read and produce system drawings.
• Solid knowledge of MPEG4 encoding technologies, encryption/authorization technology, baseband and IP transport along with specific experience on DigiCipher and PowerVu compression systems.
• Basic knowledge of architectural, mechanical, and electrical systems and their interaction with distribution equipment.
• Solid understanding of IP theory and operation in support of command and control as well as video transport.
• Must be able to perform well in a high-pressure environment while juggling multiple tasks.
• Computer literacy, excellent oral and written communication abilities and close attention to details are required.
• Ability to work independently and provide weekly status report submissions while maintaining daily communication with the management team on day-to-day items and projects.
• This position is considered an essential position. This means that during times of inclement weather, emergencies, or when access to the workplace may be impeded, employees in this position are expected to report to work to support business continuance, unless otherwise instructed by his/her direct manager. Overnights, weekends, holiday coverage and rotating shifts will be required.
• Some periods of on call coverage are required outside of normally assigned work hours.
• Candidates would be required to travel to Disaster Recovery site to perform project work, routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Must possess the legal right to work in the United States.

Desirable skills:
• Understanding of the television production process
• Knowledge of satellite distribution and RF uplink technology and satellite reception systems and technology.
• Previous experience and use of SNMP monitoring systems is advantageous
• System drawing skills using AutoCAD, Microsoft Visio, LucidChart or Drawing.io is desired

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gxovpo-3-140-188-16-42 in your application.