The Radio Chief Engineer (Broadcast Engineer) of Utah Public Radio (UPR) is primarily responsible for the proper installation, operation, and support of the technical aspects of the radio station(s) including all broadcast equipment located in the UPR facilities on the Utah State University Logan Campus and multiple transmission plants and relay points throughout the state in accordance with appropriate Federal, State, local, and University rules and regulations.  The Radio Chief Engineer will report to the co-managers of UPR.  The Radio Chief Engineer must have a thorough understanding of analog, digital, and IP-based systems and be able to integrate new technology and upgrades into the existing infrastructure as technology advances.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, operate, and maintain RF transmission systems for proper operation within Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), State, local regulations with a minimum of broadcast interruptions or downtime of UPR’s broadcast facilities.
• Direct operations of part-time staff including training, automation systems programming, production as well as on-air assistance or fill-in assignments as needed.
• Monitor radio engineering budget and advise station and university personnel on technical options available in order to solve problems or to facilitate new projects.
• Support technical and engineering needs as needed.
• On-call duties to maintain on-air operations 24/7/365.

​Planning and Administration:

• Research, develop, and make recommendations for the design, repair, construction, modification, and installation of radio transmitters, translators, interconnecting systems, and studio equipment.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of an annual operating budget for radio engineering.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of capital projects budgets.
• Act as Designate Chief Operator as required by FCC regulations.
• Responsible for the keeping of station logs, EAS logs, license renewals, public file technical requirements, etc.
• Represent UPR at university and community meetings and events as needed.
• Supervise part-time field engineers and student employees as needed.      

Oversee Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Broadcast Equipment:

• Install, maintain, modify, operate, and support complex broadcast systems and equipment at a variety of transmission sites and studios.
• Ability to perform preventative maintenance of all radio production and broadcast equipment, as well as FM transmitters/translators and associated transmission system equipment.
• Conduct calibration, testing and verification of broadcast communications systems and equipment in order to ensure compliance with station license and departmental quality standards and as is necessary, ensure operation within FCC specifications and guidelines, including, but not limited to, digital audio consoles, IP-based network audio routing systems, broadcast automation systems, portable audio equipment, microphones, digital audio editing software, satellite systems, studio-transmitter link systems, audio processing equipment, digital production and transmission systems, solid state and tube-type FM transmitters, HD Radio systems, remote control systems, broadcast antennas, computer hardware, audio servers, computer operating systems and applications, basic understanding of TCP/IP networking and LAN/WAN environments. Building systems and utilities, including electrical, HVAC, generators and UPS power systems..
• Aid the university and contractual IT staff in supporting broadcast computer systems.
• Provide technical support and functional guidance of administrative and professional employees, including radio operations, on-air, production and news staff and/or direct supervision of support staff, contract engineers, tower clients, and outside vendors on an ongoing basis.
• Procure equipment and maintain and engineering parts inventory ensuring adherence to accepted engineering practices and standards.

Our ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of experience with a desire to learn in an ever-changing environment and to assume responsibility for responding to operational goals.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Electronics Engineering, Broadcast Engineering or related field, or equivalent Broadcast Engineering related experience in lieu of a degree and two years of experience in Broadcasting, including experience with analog audio wiring and systems, and signal processing and measurement equipment.
• Knowledge of FM transmission systems.
• Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations.
• Ability to read and understand system drawings and signal flowcharts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Broadcasting, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
• Project management experience.
• SBE certification (CBRE or CBNT).
• Experience with basic TCP/IP networking, AoIP systems, and FM+HD transmission.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume (to be uploaded to the applicant profile)
2. Names and contact information of at least three references (requested in the online application)
3. Cover Letter (to be copied and pasted into a fillable form within the online application)

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

This position requires considerable physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including heavy lifting (up to 75 lbs.) and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects. Employees must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions, such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting. Employees work outside and will not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat for extended periods.

Utah State University’s Utah Public Radio (UPR) is a six-station, 30-translator public radio network based at Utah State University in Logan, Utah relaying signals across the state of Utah and within south-eastern Idaho.  UPR provides 24/7/365 programming on three different signal streams over-the-air and on the World Wide Web.  UPR is a member station of National Public Radio and is affiliated with American Public Media, the British Broadcasting Corporation, Public Radio International.  UPR’s main channel is a mix of public affairs, news, world & classical music.  UPR’s secondary stream features full-time classical music from the Beethoven Satellite Network.  UPR Tres is a full-time Hispanic news and cultural programming service.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov