Maintenance Supervisor, Network Operations Center

Job Description

Maintenance Supervisor, Network Operations Center

Team: Distribution, Operations & Engineering

Status: Full-Time/Active

The Maintenance Supervisor will provide technical supervision of the PBS distribution systems and personnel located at the PBS Technology Center in Springfield, Virginia and the PBS disaster-recovery and diversity site, and at various remote locations as needed.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Maintain technical supervision of systems and personnel which includes problem solving, training and routine maintenance to meet the PBS goal of 99.95% on-air reliability.

• Technical Maintenance:

• Provide supervision of TMC and SOC technicians on a day-to-day basis.

• Provide advanced technical support to technicians.

• Track and coordinate timely and prioritized responses to work tickets.

• Monitor PBS discussion boards and respond/escalate as needed.

• Track and coordinate periodic maintenance needs.

• Work with management to ensure TMC & SOC shift coverage and vacations are scheduled appropriately.

• Maintain, organize and inventory equipment, parts and spares.

• Coordinate on technical issues with other PBS units and departments.

• Assist & coordinate with PBS member stations on questions and technical issues.

• Coordinate and monitor contractors working on technical equipment.

• Write, review and update maintenance SOP's.

• Provide recommendations on equipment needs.

• Provide recommendations on staff training needs.

• Provide daily reports.

• Participate in meetings to review, update, or modify workflows or procedures.

• Participate in meetings to review system issues (on air & off air) as well as outstanding work tickets.

• Operations:

• Provide guidance to technicians monitoring program delivery of satellite feeds to PBS member stations.

• Work with member stations to maintain PBS transponder management systems to ensure proper satellite transponder loading and power balancing.

• Coordinate satellite access for new uplink sites in PBS controlled transponders from the PBS Tech Center network control center.

• Configure and operate PBS-owned earth station satellite equipment to access transponders and to provide uplink and turn around services for PBS and PBS customers.

• Utilize spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, signal generators, audio and video switchers etc. to perform operations and maintenance functions.

• Follow up on customer problems relating to satellite interference and ground equipment failures.

Requirements for success:
• Minimum seven years of prior experience in a broadcast or cable television environment.

• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline. An advanced degree in Engineering is desired.

• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Comprehensive knowledge of analog and digital television, video, audio, control, automation, tape, video servers, switchers and other television equipment.

• Broad knowledge of public television, including the needs of PBS, member stations and producers.

• Comprehensive understanding of digital as well as analog, audio, video, RF and data technologies with system design and trouble shooting capabilities in each area.

• Strong computers skills with a good understanding of IP based LAN, WAN and Internet based systems with extensive experience in configuration and troubleshooting of routers, switches and similar equipment.

• Good understanding of high-definition digital signal theory and ability to apply it on a systems level.

• Skilled in conceiving, planning, designing, and supervising the installation of video broadcasting and production equipment, primarily in a file/IP based environment.

• Experience working with IP networking equipment and systems - configuration and troubleshooting of routers, switches and similar equipment.

• Experience working with PC and server hardware and systems – configuration and troubleshooting of workstations, servers, interface cards, and similar equipment.

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with the following systems or equivalent.

• Omnibus automation

• Harris Nexio video servers

• Harris routing switchers

• Harmonic uplink encoders

• Sencore decoders

• Miranda i-Control monitoring & control system

• Crystal monitoring & control system

• Satellite modulators and HPAs

• Satellite antennas, controllers and associated mechanical systems.

• BroadView traffic system

• Ability to work independently on assignments and report back on progress.

• Excellent time management skills – must be able to prioritize tasks and adapt to rapidly changing system requirements with minimum supervision.

• Excellent stress and crisis management skills – must be able to make informed and appropriate decisions under pressure.

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills – must be able to work comfortably in highly diverse, cross departmental teams and interact effectively with member station representatives;

• Should be proficient in technical writing and presentations.

• Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or other high-end drafting software.

• Performing hands-on work such as pulling cables, installing equipment, and related activities

• Should be familiar with applicable SMPTE, IEEE, ATSC and ITU standards

• SBE certification is preferred.

• Experience in a broadcast or cable television environment is required.

• Experience in public broadcasting preferred.

• Previous experience working with NABET union personnel is preferred.

• This position is shift based and may require evening, overnight, and weekend work.

• This position requires standing, and the ability to lift physical equipment.

PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with the EEOC and the Commonwealth of Virginia

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-roeqyp-3-147-89-85-42 in your application.