Director of Engineering

KCCI , the CBS-affiliated Hearst Television station in Des Moines, IA has an opening for a Director of Engineering . You will lead a forward-thinking team in a dynamic broadcast and digital environment, ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and continual innovation of all technology and broadcast systems, infrastructure, and facilities. This position reports directly to the station’s President/General Manager and serves on the Department Head team.

You will oversee all technical and operational aspects of the station, from operations to transmission, and play a key leadership role in advancing the station’s broadcast, digital, and IT strategies. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strong leadership, communication, and planning skills, and thrives in a fast-paced environment that values innovation and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage the engineering and IT teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Provide mentorship, professional development, and performance evaluations for technical staff.
• Oversee scheduling, hiring, and resource allocation to ensure efficient station operations.
• Collaborate with department heads to align engineering initiatives with station goals.
• Develop and manage capital and operating budgets, ensuring effective use of resources.

Technology & Systems Management

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and modernization of all broadcast, production, and IT systems.
• Ensure reliable performance of studio, transmission, and digital systems, including automation, routing, signal distribution, and IP-based workflows.
• Implement and maintain emerging technologies that enhance on-air and digital product quality.
• Ensure compliance with FCC regulations, industry standards, and cybersecurity best practices.

Operational & Facilities Oversight

• Oversee all studio and field equipment supporting broadcast and production operations.
• Oversee building infrastructure, including electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems, ensuring facility reliability and safety.
• Monitor multiple air channels, maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring on-air quality control.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for maintenance, installations, and upgrades.
• Ensure IT integrity and infrastructure security, including networking, servers, and storage systems.

Maintenance, Repairs & Compliance

• Schedule and perform preventative maintenance on broadcast and IT systems to minimize downtime.
• Maintain transmitter, satellite antenna, and signal distribution systems.
• Keep detailed documentation of equipment inventory, service records, and system configurations.
• Guarantee compliance with all FCC, OSHA, and corporate safety standards.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement new technologies that improve efficiency, performance, and content delivery.
• Collaborate on strategic initiatives that drive technological innovation across broadcast and digital platforms.
• Support a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence within the engineering department.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in broadcast engineering, including 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong background in IP-based broadcast systems, automation, and IT infrastructure.
• Proficiency with RF transmission, signal flow, and production systems.
• FCC General Class License or SBE Certification preferred; related military experience will be considered.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Why Join Us

Innovation: Work at the forefront of broadcast technology, with opportunities to lead modernization and digital transformation initiatives.

Impact: Play a critical role in maintaining technical excellence and driving the success of a respected media organization.

Growth: Advance your career in a company that values leadership development and creative problem-solving.

Culture: Join a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages innovation, diversity, and community engagement.

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on the whole person. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

• Medical | Dental | Vision
• 401(k) matching
• Emotional Wellness Support
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• LGBTQ+ Health Services
• Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.