How to Be Broadcast Engineer Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 27, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Broadcast Engineer Technicians play an important role in the broadcasting industry by providing technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for radio and television systems. Their expertise helps ensure that broadcasts are transmitted without interruption, providing the viewers with clear audio and video. As a result, they help broadcasters to maintain their reputation, while also providing viewers with the best experience possible.

they are responsible for maintaining the equipment used in broadcasting, such as audio mixers and video switchers, and they must stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in technology. By doing so, they are able to provide broadcasters with high-quality services and reliable equipment that can meet their broadcasting needs.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. To become a broadcast engineer technician, individuals need to have a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain Technical Training. Although not required, individuals may choose to take a technical training program in broadcasting or electronics engineering technology. These programs are available at technical schools, community colleges, and universities.
Acquire Certification. Professional certification is available from the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). Passing an examination is required to become certified.
Pursue Experience. Employers typically prefer candidates with experience, so broadcast engineer technicians should look for internships and entry-level jobs at local radio and television stations.
Get Licensed. Depending on the state, broadcast engineer technicians may need to obtain a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license in order to work in the field.

Broadcasting engineering technicians play a crucial role in ensuring reliable and competent broadcast operations. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting broadcast equipment and systems. To achieve reliable and competent broadcast operations, broadcasting engineering technicians must possess a high level of technical knowledge and expertise.

They must understand the inner workings of broadcasting equipment and systems, as well as the principles of electronics and computer technology. As such, they must be able to identify and resolve technical issues quickly and efficiently. In addition, they must be able to work with other technicians and engineers to ensure that all components of the broadcast system are working together harmoniously.

Finally, they must be able to stay up-to-date on industry developments and technological advancements to ensure their clients are receiving the highest quality broadcast service available.

You may want to check Broadcast Audio Engineer, Broadcast Coordinator, and Lead Broadcast Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and operate broadcast transmission systems, including satellite and fiber optics.
Perform routine maintenance of broadcast equipment and troubleshooting of technical issues.
Install, configure, test, and troubleshoot broadcast equipment.
Perform software and hardware upgrades for broadcast systems.
Monitor television, radio, and other audio/visual signals for quality assurance.
Construct and maintain broadcast antennas and towers.
Analyze and resolve complex technical problems related to broadcast systems.
Monitor signal strength, clarity, and other technical parameters.
Maintain records of broadcast activity and performance.
Ensure compliance with FCC rules and regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of broadcast systems, audio, video and data transmission, and digital broadcasting.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with broadcast systems.
Skilled at performing technical maintenance and repairs on broadcast systems.
Familiarity with FCC regulations and guidelines for broadcast systems.
Understanding of the principles of electronics and electrical engineering.
Ability to read and interpret schematics, diagrams and technical manuals.
Proficient in the use of test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
Knowledge of computer hardware and software for the support of broadcast operations.
Experience with installation and commissioning of broadcast equipment.
Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
Strong organizational and communication skills.

Broadcast engineering technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of broadcast equipment and systems. This requires a high level of technical skill and knowledge. The most important skill for these technicians is the ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems.

They must be able to analyze, interpret, and evaluate source data in order to identify the source of any malfunction. In addition, they must be able to identify the correct parts and tools needed to correct the issue. As a result of their ability to accurately diagnose and repair problems, broadcast engineering technicians are essential in keeping broadcast systems functioning optimally.

Furthermore, these technicians must possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills in order to effectively coordinate and collaborate with other technicians, engineers, and other personnel.

Broadcast Network Operations Technician, Broadcast Operator, and Radio Broadcast Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with broadcast engineering?
How familiar are you with the technical aspects of radio and television systems?
What experience do you have working with audio and video production systems?
How do you troubleshoot a problem with a broadcast system?
Describe a difficult broadcast engineering problem you solved in the past.
What is your experience working with digital signal processing systems?
Tell me about a time when you had to work under a tight deadline to complete a broadcast engineering project.
What type of software have you used to manage broadcast systems?
What do you know about digital broadcasting technologies such as HD Radio and DAB+?
How comfortable are you working with radio automation systems?

Common Tools in Industry

Cable Crimping Tool. Used to crimp coaxial cables for connection. (eg: for installing TV antennas)
Antenna Analyzer. Used to analyze antenna characteristics. (eg: to measure linearity of an antenna)
Signal Generator. Used to generate a wide range of frequencies for testing. (eg: to test a television receiver)
Oscilloscope. Used to measure and display electrical signals. (eg: to measure voltage levels in a circuit)
Spectrum Analyzer. Used to measure the power of frequency ranges. (eg: to identify interference sources)
Waveform Monitor. Used to make sure the picture on a TV screen is correctly formatted. (eg: to adjust color levels on a TV broadcast)
Network Analyzer. Used to measure and analyze network performance. (eg: to diagnose problems with a wireless network)
Soldering Iron. Used to make electrical connections by melting metal alloy solder. (eg: to fix a broken cable connection)
Multimeter. Used to measure electrical properties such as voltage, current, and resistance. (eg: to check power supply voltages)
Radio Frequency Modulator. Used to convert low-frequency signals into radio frequency signals. (eg: to broadcast a signal over a radio frequency)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
Audio Engineering Society (AES)
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE)
Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE)
Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS)
International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM)
Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
International Radio and Television Society (IRTS)
Radio Club of America (RCA)

We also have Assistant Broadcast Coordinator, Assistant Broadcast Manager, and Mobile Broadcast Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

RF (Radio Frequency) - Radio waves that are used to transmit audio or video signals over the air.
Antenna - A device that receives radio signals and converts them into electrical signals for further processing.
Transmitter - A device that converts electrical signals into radio signals for broadcasting.
Receiver - A device that receives and amplifies radio signals before they are processed or output.
Modulator - A device that modifies the amplitude, frequency, or phase of a signal.
Amplifier - A device that increases the power of a signal.
Mixer - A device that combines two or more signals together and adjusts their levels.
Cable - A type of transmission line used to connect components in an electronic circuit.
Coaxial Cable - A type of cable that carries a single signal and is surrounded by an insulating material.
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) - A type of digital television broadcasting which uses a single frequency network to provide wide area coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Broadcast Engineer Technician?

A Broadcast Engineer Technician is a professional who designs, installs, maintains, and repairs audio and broadcast systems for radio and television stations.

What type of equipment do Broadcast Engineer Technicians work with?

Broadcast Engineer Technicians work with audio and broadcast equipment such as transmitters, antennas, and consoles. They also work with computer systems that control the broadcast and audio equipment.

What skills are required for a Broadcast Engineer Technician?

Broadcast Engineer Technicians must have strong knowledge of electronics, networking, and audio engineering. They should also have excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to read and interpret technical manuals.

How much does a Broadcast Engineer Technician typically earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Broadcast Engineer Technician is $51,780 as of May 2019.

What kind of degree do I need to become a Broadcast Engineer Technician?

Most employers require Broadcast Engineer Technicians to have at least an associate degree in electronics or audio engineering. Additional certifications may also be required.

Web Resources

Broadcast Engineer | Berklee www.berklee.edu
Broadcast Engineering Distance Education Course cie-wc.edu
Broadcast Engineering Tech Pitt Career Central | University of careercentral.pitt.edu