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Headend Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

OSP Construction Manager

El Centro, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Manage OSP engineering and construction vendors at a tactical project level, including ... turnkey headend construction. * Verify photos are in Verofy with help from site supervisor

... in Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Science (CS), or related discipline 12 yrs or more ... Encoding, Transcoding Video Compression and Distribution - Headend: Encoders and Decoders ...

OSP Construction Manager

El Centro, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Manage OSP engineering and construction vendors at a tactical project level, including ... turnkey headend construction. * Verify photos are in Verofy with help from site supervisor

Headend Engineer information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$68

How much do headend engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for headend engineer in California is $31.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.19 and $38.37 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.

What are popular job titles related to Headend Engineer jobs in California? For Headend Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Headend Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Headend Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Headend Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,527 per year, or $32 per hour.

Inside Plant Engineer I - Data Center Critical infrastructure

Network Technology Services

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$73K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Are you ready to elevate your engineering career by working with cutting-edge technologies at one of the leading connectivity companies in the country? Do you have expertise in Critical Infrastructure Systems, RF, and IP Technologies, and excel at problem-solving? If so, Spectrum's Inside Plant (ISP) team might be the perfect fit for you.

As an Inside Plant Engineer I on our ISP team, you will troubleshoot and maintain Spectrumโ€™s network, support product deployment, and ensure TQA and FCC compliance. If you are eager to continuously learn and apply new technologies to impactful real-world scenarios, we want to hear from you.ย 

Shift desired: Saturday - Thursday, 11:00 pm-8:00 am


How Youโ€™ll Make an Impactย 

  • Provide engineering and operational support for new or existing technologies
  • Install, configure, and operate legacy or new headend equipment. Perform troubleshooting and assist with network resolution
  • Perform all daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly testing and logging per established company guidelines
  • Ensure all cabling, equipment installation, power and cooling follow corporate standards
  • Maintain required logs, records and other documentation in compliance with company and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) technical requirements
  • Create, submit, and implement approved methods of procedure and change management requests. Develop and implement network enhancementsย 

Working Conditionsย 

  • 24x7, fast-paced environment
  • Work indoors with exposure to continuous moderate noise near power systems
  • Must be able to work and travel in inclement weather and participate in an on-call rotation scheduleย 

What Youโ€™ll Bring to Spectrumย 
Required Qualificationsย 

Educationย 

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in electrical engineering, computer science or related field, and/or equivalent work experience
  • Valid course completion from NCTI Fiber Installation & Activation course to be obtained within 6 months from start date for all external candidates and internal candidates outside of Network Technology Servicesย 

Experienceย 

  • 3+ years Headend Technician or electronics / network implementation experienceย 

Licenseย 

  • Must possess and maintain a valid Driverโ€™s License with a safe driving recordย 

Skillsย 

  • Knowledge of Critical Systems such as HVAC, Powering and Generators as well as RF and IP technologies
  • HFC design, as well as optical test equipment (such as OTDR, Optical Spectrum Analyzer, Fiber Light Identifier, Optical Fiber Scope and Optical Power Meter), Video Networking, IP & DOCSIS/CMTS
  • Can troubleshoot communication architectures, topologies, hardware, software, transmission and signaling links and protocols
  • Ability to work while standing 50-70% of the time and to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without assistanceย 
    ย 

#LI-CEB
EIP320 2026-77653 2026
Here, our employees don't just have jobs, they're building careers. That's why we offer a comprehensive pay and benefits package that rewards employees for their contributions to our success, supporting all aspects of their well-being at every stage of life.
A qualified applicant's criminal history, if any, will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable laws, including local ordinances.
The base pay for this position generally is between $73,200.00 and $140,600.00. The actual compensation offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. We comply with local wage minimums and also, certain positions are eligible for additional forms of other incentive-based compensation such as bonuses.
Get to Know Us Charter Communications provides superior communication and entertainment products for residential and business customers through the Spectrum brand. Our offerings include Spectrum Internet, TV, Mobile and Voice. Beyond our connectivity solutions, we also provide local news, programming and regional sports via Spectrum Networks and multiscreen advertising solutions via Spectrum Reach. When you join our team, you'll be keeping our customers connected to what matters most in 41 states across the U.S. Watch this video to learn more.

Grow Your Career Here We're committed to growing a workforce that reflects the customers and communities we serve - providing opportunities for employment and advancement to all team members. Spectrum is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including job seekers with disabilities and veterans. Learn about Life at Spectrum.
Qualifications:

What Youโ€™ll Bring to Spectrumย 
Required Qualificationsย 

Educationย 

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in electrical engineering, computer science or related field, and/or equivalent work experience
  • Valid course completion from NCTI Fiber Installation & Activation course to be obtained within 6 months from start date for all external candidates and internal candidates outside of Network Technology Servicesย 

Experienceย 

  • 3+ years Headend Technician or electronics / network implementation experienceย 

Licenseย 

  • Must possess and maintain a valid Driverโ€™s License with a safe driving recordย 

Skillsย 

  • Knowledge of Critical Systems such as HVAC, Powering and Generators as well as RF and IP technologies
  • HFC design, as well as optical test equipment (such as OTDR, Optical Spectrum Analyzer, Fiber Light Identifier, Optical Fiber Scope and Optical Power Meter), Video Networking, IP & DOCSIS/CMTS
  • Can troubleshoot communication architectures, topologies, hardware, software, transmission and signaling links and protocols
  • Ability to work while standing 50-70% of the time and to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without assistanceย 
    ย 
Employment Type: Full Time