Position Title: Engineer and Technology Associate

Department: KTWU - General

Advertised Pay: Base $22.21/hour with potential for a higher entry rate commensurate with experience

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Deadline:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by December 29, 2025.

Position Summary: The Engineer and Technology Associate serves as a primary assistant to the Director of Engineering and Assistant Chief of Engineering for KTWU.

KTWU has been broadcasting local public television in eastern Kansas and portions of Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma since 1965. KTWU is also broadcast on K30AL-LD translator channel in southeast Kansas. The station license is held by Washburn University with studios located on the Washburn campus in Topeka, Kansas. KTWU provides programs and services that enrich the lives of those reached.

The Engineer and Technology Associate understands the technology, equipment, and processes used to transmit signals to KTWU communities. They will understand the technological trends and changes that impact equipment and processes. The employee exercises a high level of autonomy in fulfilling the position's duties and responsibilities.

About Washburn University: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of over 5,500 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions:
• Researches and evaluates technological developments to identify, plan, recommend, and implement best industry practices and innovative technology techniques to maintain and enhance KTWU broadcast, linear livestreaming, and on-demand streaming delivery.
• Assist appropriate staff with operations of the KTWU studios, KTWU primary transmitter site, the KTWU translator site, all microwave, satellite, fiber, and broadband interconnections, making sure all equipment and facilities are in full working order and that repairs are completed expeditiously to provide uninterrupted programming for KTWU viewers. Resolves problems and addresses issues related to equipment repair and maintenance, providing on-site direction and assistance to Broadcast Engineers in the studio or at the transmitter site.
• With assistance from the Director of Engineering, create an understanding of standards of procedures for KTWU’s licensee, Washburn University, for the implementation of KTWU’s technology infrastructure, including:
o Washburn Purchasing Department to develop equipment specifications and bid procedures for equipment purchases
o With Information Technology Services to implement or resolve computer-based issues, update digital technologies, and ensure a successful technology plan for KTWU
o With Facilities Services to ensure adequate maintenance of studio, transmitter, translator, and other related capital equipment
• Assist with preventive maintenance schedule for control room equipment. Repairs equipment or performs preventive maintenance as needed. Inform appropriate staff of maintenance needs beyond routine work.
• Assist Broadcast Engineers, as needed, to monitor broadcast content in a multichannel environment: audio and video levels of programs on the air making needed adjustments to maintain station standards; program guide information, data stream content, and other varied digital content, ensuring data is available and making appropriate notifications if concerns are identified.
• Observes operations and monitors transmitters to ensure equipment operates at maximum efficiency and in accordance with FCC rules and regulations. Notifies Chief Engineer or Assistant Chief Engineer if problems develop to seek direction and make or facilitate correction.
• Actively promotes a professional workplace environment of mutual respect and collegiality for all members of the institution.
• Performs additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Five years of experience in broadcast technology with an understanding of broadcast, digital, mobile, and online technologies.
• Knowledge of FCC rules.
• Knowledge of broadcast and public media.
• Ability to work autonomously, research, troubleshoot, and recommend methods for repair, enhancement, or change of technology.
• Valid Driver’s License with a driving record that meets Washburn’s standards.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to move and/or maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must ensure safety precautions are met when working with high-voltage equipment.
• Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm and on-call.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Completion of a technical course in electronics.
• Certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers.

Hourly, Full-time, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm   
Background check and driving history are required