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Broadcast Chief Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Broadcast Chief Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$86.7K

$104.6K

$120.3K

How much do broadcast chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for broadcast chief engineer in Michigan is $104,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,900.00 and $113,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a broadcast chief engineer?

Broadcast Chief Engineers are responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of radio or television broadcast operations. They manage the installation, maintenance, and repair of broadcast equipment, ensuring that broadcasts run smoothly and comply with industry standards. In addition to supervising engineering staff, they also handle troubleshooting, system upgrades, and ensure regulatory compliance with bodies like the FCC. Their expertise is crucial in maintaining high-quality audio and video transmission for broadcast stations.

What does a broadcast chief engineer do?

A broadcast chief engineer is a senior position at a radio or television station. In this career, you have a highly complex set of duties ensuring a broadcast runs smoothly and on schedule. You help to install and set up transmission and other media equipment such as soundboards, microphones, cables, monitors, and cameras. You typically report to a chief technology officer or director at the station, and are responsible for carrying out their instructions and the instructions of clients. You delegate responsibilities to soundboard operators, sound technicians, and junior engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a broadcast chief engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Broadcast Chief Engineer, you need deep expertise in broadcast engineering principles, RF technology, and a degree in electronics or broadcast engineering, often accompanied by SBE certification. Familiarity with broadcast automation systems, transmission equipment, and troubleshooting tools like spectrum analyzers is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure reliable broadcast operations, regulatory compliance, and effective coordination within technical teams.

What are some common challenges a broadcast chief engineer faces when managing new technology upgrades within a station?

Broadcast Chief Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new broadcast equipment without disrupting existing operations and ensuring all staff are adequately trained on new systems. Coordinating upgrades requires detailed planning, collaboration with IT and production teams, and troubleshooting unexpected technical issues. Staying current with rapidly evolving broadcast standards and compliance requirements is also essential. Proactive communication and strong project management skills help ensure smooth transitions during these upgrades.

What is the difference between Broadcast Chief Engineer vs Broadcast Engineer?

AspectBroadcast Chief EngineerBroadcast Engineer
CredentialsFCC licenses, engineering degrees, certificationsTechnical training, associate or bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentManagement of technical operations, overseeing maintenance and repairsHands-on technical work, equipment setup, troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageBroadcast stations, networks, media companiesBroadcast stations, production facilities, engineering teams

The Broadcast Chief Engineer typically holds more advanced certifications and manages the technical operations of a broadcast facility, overseeing maintenance and ensuring compliance. In contrast, a Broadcast Engineer focuses on technical tasks like equipment setup and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in the broadcast industry, but the Chief Engineer has greater managerial responsibilities and oversight.

More about Broadcast Chief Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Broadcast Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Broadcast Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Broadcast Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Broadcast Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Broadcast Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Broadcast Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

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For Broadcast Chief Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Broadcast Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Broadcast Chief Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,591 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Assistant Chief Engineer

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Traverse City, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Sinclair Broadcast Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 76 rated media

Job description


Have you always had a knack for problem-solving? Are you the type of person who enjoys being hands-on and also doesn't mind taking a break every now and then to coach another teammate towards perfecting their craft? Our team needs YOU to continue to elevate our engineering team. The Assistant Chief Engineer plays an imperative role as the go-between resource for the engineering team, leadership, and the location's personnel. We need a dynamic team lead to help grow the impact of our engineering team! What you can expect working as an Assistant Chief Engineer:
What you can expect working as an Assistant Chief Engineer:
  • To work with a team focused on meaningful relationships
  • A high-energy environment
  • A chance to work on a team supported, influenced & lead by some of the Broadcast Industry's leading innovators
  • Related on-the-job experience
  • To work at the TV station regularly & to travel with the News team routinely
  • Daily opportunities to learn the art of how-to (re)prioritize.
  • The station's obstacles and challenges are your challenges.
  • The possibility of unexpected and/or late-night calls for engineering-emergencies at the station
  • Act as the subject matter expert and point of contact for all things as it relates to equipment and technology at the location, as well as stay up-to-date on the new industry standards
  • Provide additional support and resource subject matter expertise in the absence of the Chief Engineer to all staff (including leadership and location personnel, and the onsite Engineering team)
  • Support and assist the News department in maintaining must-have for live production
  • Implement, install & maintain engineering systems and provide end-user support across all departments
  • Provide transmitter support
  • Replace or adjust defective and/or improperly functioning equipment
  • Networking / Wiring
  • Administrative "musts" (i.e., tracking and organizing department-related budget information)

Requirements:
  • On-the-job and/or formal training repairing transmitters
  • Valid & unencumbered driver's license
  • Work experience, education, and/or formal training/certification in one or more of an engineering-related fields (e.g., technology; information systems; computer science; electrical engineering and/or electronics).
  • Ability to lift 40-50 lbs

Bonus points for...
  • Previous broadcast experience
  • Familiarity with FCC regulations
  • Engineering-related certifications

EEO AND INCLUSIVITY:
Sinclair is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
About Us
Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 177 television stations in 79 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel, the premium destination for tennis enthusiasts; and multicast networks CHARGE, Comet, ROAR and The Nest. Sinclair's AMP Media produces a growing portfolio of digital content and original podcasts. Additional information about Sinclair can be found at www.sbgi.net.
About the Team
The life-blood of our organization is our people. We have a compelling story, a goal-oriented culture, and we take really good care of people. How good? Here is a glimpse: great benefits, open door policy, upward mobility and a strong desire to see you succeed. Ready to be part of a winning team? Let's talk.

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