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Playback Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kake Group

Senior iOS Video Player Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

$143K/yr

Tune playback performance at scale to ensure reliable, high-quality viewing experiences. Use video analytics and QoE metrics to diagnose issues and improve real-world playback performance. Core ...

Comprehensive Resources Inc.

iOS Developer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$51.50 - $70.75/hr

Implement and optimize video playback features including adaptive bitrate streaming (HLS), DRM, buffering management, and resolution switching using AVFoundation and AVKit. * Integrate RESTful and ...

STAND 8

Sr. Roku Engineer, Brightscript

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75/hr

Help ensure we provide a good playback experience across the different devices we support and help improve performance. * Mentor junior team members and provide constructive feedback such as in code ...

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Playback information

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$5

$19

$25

How much do playback jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for playback in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Playback Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Playback Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio engineering, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and live sound principles, often supported by relevant audio production education or experience. Familiarity with playback systems like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and hardware such as audio interfaces and MIDI controllers is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help ensure smooth coordination with artists and crew during live performances. These skills are crucial for delivering reliable and high-quality audio playback, minimizing technical issues, and supporting seamless shows.

What professions make 200,000 a year without a degree?

In the playback or related media industries, high-paying roles such as audio engineers, sound designers, or video editors can reach or exceed $200,000 annually with extensive experience and specialized skills. Many of these roles prioritize technical expertise, certifications, and a strong portfolio over formal degrees, especially in freelance or senior positions within production environments.

What does a Playback operator do?

A Playback operator is responsible for managing and controlling the video, audio, and graphics content that is played back during live events, broadcasts, or film productions. They ensure that pre-recorded media is cued and displayed at the right moments, working closely with directors and production teams to maintain smooth transitions. This role requires technical knowledge of playback systems and quick problem-solving skills to handle any issues that may arise during live performances.

What is the difference between Playback vs Sound Engineer?

AspectPlaybackSound Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in audio/visual technologyRequires audio engineering certifications or degrees in sound design or related fields
Work EnvironmentLive events, theaters, concerts, and broadcast settingsRecording studios, live events, film sets, and broadcast stations
Industry UsageUsed in live performances to manage audio playbackInvolved in recording, mixing, and sound design for various media

While both Playback and Sound Engineer roles involve audio technology, Playback primarily focuses on managing pre-recorded audio during live events, whereas Sound Engineers handle recording, mixing, and sound design across different media. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the audio industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Playback Operators during live productions, and how can these be managed?

Playback Operators in live production environments often face challenges such as last-minute content changes, technical glitches with media servers, and the pressure of synchronizing playback cues with other departments. Successful operators stay organized by preparing backup files, conducting thorough technical checks before events, and maintaining clear communication with directors and technical teams. Being adaptable and having a strong understanding of the playback system are essential for managing these challenges smoothly.

How do you become a Playback Operator?

To become a Playback Operator, individuals typically need experience with video playback equipment, such as video servers and playback software, and often require a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is usually provided on the job, and strong attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments are important for success in this role.

What is a video playback job?

A video playback job involves operating and managing video playback equipment during live events, concerts, or broadcasts to ensure smooth video presentation. Workers in this role typically use specialized hardware and software, such as video switchers and monitors, and may need technical skills and experience with audiovisual systems. The job often requires attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly.

What is the average salary for Playback jobs?

The average salary for playback operators or technicians typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the industry sector. These roles often require technical skills with audio-visual equipment and may involve working in live event environments or broadcast settings.
More about Playback jobs
What cities are hiring for Playback jobs? Cities with the most Playback job openings:
What states have the most Playback jobs? States with the most job openings for Playback jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Playback jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Playback jobs are:
Playback jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playback job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,158 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Senior iOS Video Player Engineer

Kake Group

Austin, TX • Remote

$143K/yr

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Role
We’re looking for a Senior iOS Video Player Engineer with deep, production-level experience in live video streaming to work on high-quality playback experiences across iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. The focus is squarely on media and streaming, with hands-on ownership of live HLS playback, AVPlayer behavior, performance tuning, and playback reliability at scale. You’ll be working on challenges like fast startup times, buffering behavior, live edge management, latency, and real-world playback stability. This role is designed for someone who can join and contribute quickly in a mature streaming ecosystem.
 
Key Responsibilities
Design, build, and maintain live video playback functionality for iOS and tvOS applications (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV).
Optimize HLS playback using AVPlayer, with a strong focus on startup time, buffering behavior, latency, and playback stability.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex playback issues in live streaming environments, including errors, stalls, and drift from the live edge.
Tune playback performance at scale to ensure reliable, high-quality viewing experiences.
Use video analytics and QoE metrics to diagnose issues and improve real-world playback performance.
 
Core Requirements
7+ years of iOS development experience with deep expertise in Swift and Objective-C.
Proven experience building and maintaining video players or live playback components for iOS/tvOS.
Strong hands-on experience with HLS and AVPlayer, including tuning and troubleshooting playback behavior, especially for live streaming.
Demonstrated ability to debug and optimize playback performance, including rebuffering, startup time, and playback stability.
Familiarity with video streaming protocols, live playback concepts (latency, live edge, drift), ABR logic, and DRM integration.
Experience using video analytics or QoE metrics (e.g., Mux, Conviva) to diagnose and improve real-world playback performance
Nice to Have
Background working in sports large-scale streaming environments.
Experience with ad tech, especially in live streaming scenarios.
45-55
 
Core Requirements:
 
- Work closely with Engineering/Product/Project Management and Backend Technology Services teams to build video player features that contribute to FOX video streaming initiatives.
- Contribute to the design, architecture and implementation of player features on iOS devices (Apple TV, iPad, iOS Mobile devices)
- Spearhead efforts in performance, scalability, security, architecture and engineering best practices
- Track and prioritize numerous tasks for various team members
- Provide technical specifications and documentation
- Collaborate with team members to deliver software using agile methodologies
- Willingness to stay up-to-date with the latest in emerging technologies/trends on mobile platforms
- Required Skills
- BS/MS degree in Computer Science or equivalent
- Excellent programming skills in Swift, Objective-C development experience
- Experience with tools from Xcode
- Experience building components to support video playback, user interfaces, video metadata, and third-party integrations
- Experience leading a mobile application team at a tech company
- Demonstrable knowledge of building responsive user experiences across phones and tablets
- Experience with RESTful APIs, unit testing and end-end testing
- Git, SVN, Jenkins, Docker, Agile methodologies
- Excellent documentation skills, UML diagrams a plus.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with an ability to work in a highly collaborative environment
 
Nice to Have:
 
- Experience with video streaming technologies (HLS)
- Experience with video QoE metrics, ABR algorithms, video player frameworks
- Experience with analytics platforms (Conviva, Mux)
 
Core Requirements:
 
- Expertise in Swift & Objective-C: Strong programming skills with experience in iOS development and Apple’s Xcode toolset.
- Video Player Development: Experience building and optimizing components for video playback, user interfaces, metadata handling, and third-party integrations.
- Mobile Application Leadership: Proven ability to lead a mobile application team in a tech-driven environment.
- Responsive User Experience (UX) Design: Demonstrable knowledge of building responsive and adaptive UI/UX across iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV.
- API & Testing Expertise: Experience working with RESTful APIs, unit testing, and end-to-end testing methodologies.
- DevOps & Agile Workflow: Proficiency in Git, SVN, Jenkins, Docker, and working within Agile methodologies.
- Technical Documentation & Communication: Strong documentation skills, with experience in UML diagrams being a plus.
 
Key Responsibilities:
 
- Collaborate with Engineering, Product, and Backend Technology Services teams to design, architect, and implement advanced video player features for iOS devices.
- Develop and optimize video streaming capabilities for Apple TV, iPads, and iOS mobile devices.
- Spearhead efforts in performance, scalability, security, and engineering best practices.
- Track and prioritize multiple tasks across the engineering team.
- Provide technical specifications and documentation to ensure maintainability and scalability.
- Implement Agile methodologies to develop and deploy high-quality software efficiently.
- Stay updated with emerging technologies and trends in mobile platforms and video streaming.
 
Nice to Have:
 
- Experience with video streaming technologies like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming).
- Knowledge of video QoE (Quality of Experience) metrics, ABR (Adaptive Bitrate) algorithms, and video player frameworks.
- Familiarity with analytics platforms such as Conviva or Mux to monitor and optimize video playback performance.
 
Other Traits:
 
- Problem-Solving & Innovation: Ability to troubleshoot complex video playback issues and develop scalable solutions.
- Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to stakeholders.
- Ownership & Leadership: Comfortable leading mobile teams, driving projects, and ensuring best practices in iOS video player engineering.
 
 
 
- Contract Duration: Open-ended long term
 
 
 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.