1

Headend Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Headend Engineer is responsible for leading Hotwire's headend construction, operation, maintenance, and support. Primarily focused on performing installation, operating and maintaining power ...

Able to work closely with network engineers to facilitate proper operation, maintenance, and ... Effectively maintains headend and hub site locations in an extremely neat and orderly manner with a ...

Able to work closely with network engineers to facilitate proper operation, maintenance, and ... Effectively maintains headend and hub site locations in an extremely neat and orderly manner with a ...

Summary Responsible for the reception, and distribution of off-air, satellite etc. programming to ... Perform daily check of RF Levels and Headend alignment. Verify video and audio levels for satellite ...

Provide engineering and operational support for new or existing technologies ... Install, configure, and operate legacy or new headend equipment. Perform troubleshooting and assist ...

Provide engineering and operational support for new or existing technologies ... Install, configure, and operate legacy or new headend equipment. Perform troubleshooting and assist ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Headend Engineer information

See salary details

$12

$32

$70

How much do headend engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for headend engineer in the United States is $32.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $39.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Headend Engineer?

Headend Engineers are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing the primary signal processing equipment that delivers video, data, and voice services. Daily tasks often include monitoring system performance, ensuring signal quality, performing software or firmware upgrades, and responding to technical issues or outages. Collaboration with field technicians, network operations teams, and sometimes vendors is common to ensure seamless operation and quick issue resolution. This role may also include planning for capacity upgrades and participating in the rollout of new services or technologies.

What is a Headend Engineer job?

A Headend Engineer is responsible for managing and maintaining the central hub of a cable or telecommunications network, known as the headend. They ensure seamless transmission of video, internet, and data services by configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting equipment like modulators, routers, and signal processors. Their role involves optimizing signal quality, preventing service disruptions, and staying updated with emerging technologies to improve network performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Headend Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Headend Engineer, a strong background in electronic communications, RF engineering, and digital video technologies is essential, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Experience with headend equipment such as modulators, encoders, multiplexers, and monitoring systems, along with certifications like SCTE or CCNA, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set outstanding candidates apart. These qualities ensure reliable signal delivery and system performance in environments where uptime and broadcast quality are critical.

More about Headend Engineer jobs
What states have the most Headend Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Headend Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Headend Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,938 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Headend Engineer

Headend Engineer

Hotwire Communications

San Antonio, TX

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Hotwire Communications rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 96 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

The Headend Engineer is responsible for leading Hotwire's headend construction, operation, maintenance, and support. Primarily focused on performing installation, operating and maintaining power systems, structured wiring, cooling, and other physical aspects.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Work with the engineering department on the implementation of new technologies or services.
  • Design, build and maintain all structured wiring to ensure efficient data flow and organization in all company facilities.
  • Create and maintain preventive maintenance and equipment replacement schedules for UPS, battery backup, power generators, HVAC, environmental sensors, and other predictive diagnostic tools.
  • Monitor IPTV services and linear channels for Audio/Video quality.
  • Analyze real-time and historic data from monitoring systems to proactively address issues.
  • Actively monitor and support Headend Infrastructure and equipment including but not limited to Satellite receivers, encoders/transcoders, VOD Catchers, AD insertion, middleware and servers.
  • Efficiently coordinate with NOC and other engineering teams to resolve technical issues and to conduct scheduled maintenances.
  • Perform installation, wiring, labeling and configuration of equipment.
  • Continuously develop skills to advance professionally.
  • Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree in Engineering, Telecommunication, RF, and or satellite certifications or equivalent
  • Minimum of 3 years related telecommunication industry or RF/satellite experience required
  • Strong Head-End knowledge and computer related skills
  • Understanding of IPTV, IP multicast, video codecs, and standards
  • Excellent Audio/Visual observation skills to identify impairments and quality issues
  • Must have active and clean, non-restrictive, state issued driver’s license in State where hired
  • Computer proficiency required in Microsoft Office and Visio, with a higher level of proficiency in Excel, preferred
  • Knowledge of LAN/WAN principles.
  • Working knowledge of the principles in Ethernet, fiber and coax wiring
  • Knowledge of DC and AC power systems and HVAC and AC systems

Benefits:

  • We truly appreciate and value all our employees and show our appreciation by offering a wide range of benefits, including:
  • Comprehensive Healthcare/Dental/Vision Plans
  • 401K Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Additional Holidays (including your Birthday!)
  • Paid Volunteer Time
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Hotwire Service Discounts – for employees who live on a property serviced by Hotwire. Discounted service offerings are provided for high-speed internet, video service, phone, and security service
  • Employee Referral Bonuses
  • Exclusive Entertainment Discounts/Perks

Hotwire provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

#LI-MC1


What Hotwire Communications employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom