Distribution Staff Engineer

Job Description

The Distribution Staff Engineer operates and monitors the primary and backup teleports that support the satellite transmission of Discovery's linear television networks in a 24/7/365 shift environment. The operational environment includes the satellite receive systems, satellite transmit systems, fiber distribution systems, M&C systems, and multiplexes. Due to COVID-19, the role currently includes a hybrid mix of working on-site and from home.

Responsibilities
• Operate, maintain, and perform upgrades on all equipment associated with the RF signal. This includes, but is not limited to, antenna drive systems, deicers, modems, frequency converters, high power amplifiers, IRDs, and fiber optics systems.

• Lead projects that support design and development engineering activities on a global scale within a collaborative engineering workflow environment.

• Equipment configuration in support of new projects, maintenance activities, ad hoc satellite feeds and live events.

• Conduct preventative and emergency maintenance on equipment as assigned.

• Maintains required records of all equipment maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

• Maintain, peak, and repair parabolic antennas up to 9 meters.

• Proactively monitor the uplink power and downlink signal levels.

• Handle any necessary redundancy or protection switching during normal or emergency conditions to ensure that all services remain on-air.

• Quickly respond to equipment outages, malfunctions, and related technical problems.

• Interact directly with external vendors to schedule and perform installations, upgrades, repairs, and coordinate vendor driven maintenance activities to ensure site availability.

• Provide weekly status report submissions and update daily station logs, while maintaining daily communication with the management team on day-to-day items and projects.

• Complete daily shift checks to ensure healthy status of facility equipment using remote monitoring applications and via in-person checks. Take appropriate action to correct any anomalies.

• Creates and implements standard operating procedures and maintenance operational procedures.

• Provide support to the technical operations center (TOC) and other departments.

Requirements
• 2 - 5 years of experience in RF transmission systems. Prior experience working at an earth station is preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of satellite earth station technologies, RF theory, basic electronics, IT technologies, and computer networking.

• Able to work any shift schedule. Overnight, weekend, holidays, and rotating shifts are required as this is a 365/24/7 mission critical position that supports the distribution reliability of Discovery services.

• Must have the ability to work independently, perform well in a high-pressure environment, and quickly take emergency corrective action when necessary.

• Computer literacy, basic understanding of TCP/IP, excellent written communication abilities, and close attention to details are required. Linux experience is a plus.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and G Suite applications.

• Must have a demonstrated ability to learn new technologies, understand intricate technical concepts, and make informed decisions.

• Ability to operate test equipment that includes spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, transport stream analyzers, signal generators, multimeters, power meters, fiber probes, and OTDRs.

• Ability to understand and create system drawings. AutoCAD skills are a plus.

• This position is considered essential. 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.

• Able to lift heavy equipment as needed (50 lbs.).

• Two year associate degree in a technical field. Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.

• Must have the legal right to work in the United States.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gqo139-3-139-72-78-42 in your application.