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Broadcast Chief Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

First Radio Electronics Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$96.75 - $118.25/hr

Serving as a watchstander and watch partner under the supervision of the Chief Radio Electronics ... Broadcast Satellite Communications channels and related equipment * Conducting preventive and ...

Showing results 21-24

Broadcast Chief Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$98.6K

$119K

$136.8K

How much do broadcast chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for broadcast chief engineer in Virginia is $118,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,100.00 and $128,900.00 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Broadcast Chief Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,970 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

First Radio Electronics Technician

gCaptain

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$96.75 - $118.25/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serve as a watchstander and watch partner under the supervision of the Chief Radio Electronics Technician.

  • Maintain daily operations of the communications department, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of communication systems.

  • Operate, monitor, and control information systems for worldwide telecommunications networks.


Job description

Average Annual Salary

Average Annual Salary: $107,496 + $6,917 BONUS. This is the average annual salary not the base pay featured in the job opportunity announcement. All calculations include CIVMAR total take-home pay (including overtime, penalty, etc.).

Duties

The 1st Radio Electronics Technician is a Civil Service Mariner (CIVMAR) employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) aboard naval auxiliaries and hybrid‑manned warships worldwide, in peace and war. The role includes responsibility for:

  • Serving as a watchstander and watch partner under the supervision of the Chief Radio Electronics Technician
  • Maintaining daily operations of the department
  • Transferring information using tactical or commercial satellites, complying with EKMS policy and procedures for handling COMSEC material, and operating radio cryptographic equipment
  • Operating, monitoring, and controlling information systems for worldwide telecommunications networks (e.g., CUDIXS, MDU, MDS, NOW, GATEGUARD, FSM, NAVMACS V2 or II SYSTEMS, MISNS, and ADNS)
  • Performing mission‑level troubleshooting, maintenance and minor repair of Command, Control, Communications, and Computer systems, ensuring ship’s capability to handle secure Fleet Broadcast Satellite Communications channels and related equipment
  • Conducting preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, and limited repair on shipboard communications systems per MSC requirements
  • Observing Electrical Safety Program and safety rules while performing work, including shipboard emergency drills
  • Maintaining databases on assigned communications computer systems and operating applicable software applications
  • Working aloft and over the side, maintaining antennas and topside systems
  • Supervising and training assigned personnel (when applicable)
  • Ensuring compliance with EEO laws, regulations and policies
  • Performing all other duties as assigned
Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Must be a United States citizen of at least 18 years of age and possess and maintain:

  • U.S. Passport with at least seven months of expiration date
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and/or Department of Defense (DOD) Common Access Card (CAC) with at least ten (10) months remaining until expiration
  • United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) with at least ten months remaining until expiration

Position Specific Requirements:
• Must have one of the following:

  • U.S. Navy E5 or above (Communications rating) with at least two (2) years experience in a shipboard Communications Center (i.e., Radio Central); other branches of the Military/National Guard with recent shore base Communications center or Operations Center experience (within the last ten (10) years)
  • Two (2) years cumulative experience sailing on MSC vessels as a permanent Second Radio Electronics Technician (RET2)
  • Equivalent Government and/or Commercial Communications experience with at least two (2) years experience (within the last ten (10) years)

**NOTE:** When submitting an application for employment, the applicant must provide a letter from their Facility Security Officer and/or Government Security Official to document Top Secret eligibility, and must have Top Secret eligibility within the last 24 months upon hiring.

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