Creative and design
Broadcast and media systems engineer
Working at the heart of the transmission process from the production studio through to the home screen/radio/streaming device.
Summary
Broadcast and Media Communications Engineers bring us our favourite TV or radio shows, wherever or however we decide to enjoy them. Broadcast and Media Communications Engineers are at the heart of the transmission process from the production studio through to the home screen/radio/streaming device. Job holders are not expected to technically operate or produce a TV/Radio programme, but they do ensure that content is broadcast and delivered on time and to the highest level of quality. They typically work for a broadcaster, broadcast or media services supplier or manufacturer. Clients or customers may be internal or external depending on the size of the employer; these could include production studios, production companies or those operating live events. They may be located in a broadcast or operations centre, at customer premises, or on outside broadcast locations such as sports events or in a field next to transmitters. The broadcasting and media communications industry is a 24/7, 365 days a year operation, with out of hours and irregular working. The role is a unique blend of electrical engineering, electronic engineering, software engineering and creative media. It’s a critical role in the industry and key areas for the Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer role include: Set up and design, or installation and build, of the broadcast and media technical system infrastructure; Maintaining infrastructure and identifying and resolving faults; Ensuring reliability and integrity of broadcast and communication systems; Working to tight deadlines, to ensure services are always available to end users, and that the security and quality of the media content being delivered is maintained; Service management and support for end-user companies, service providers, suppliers and larger manufacturers.
Typical job titles include
- Broadcast Engineer | Broadcast Maintenance Engineer | Control Room Engineer | Design Engineer | Graphics Systems Engineer | Operations Engineer | Platform Engineer | RF Transmissions Engineer | Satellite Communications Engineer | Spectrum Planner | Studio Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
Broadcast and Media Systems
K2:
Use of Radio Frequency (RF) to contribute or distribute data, TV or Radio signals
K3:
Electrical and optical carriage of audio, voice, data, pictures and talkback using various modulation and encoding schemes
K4:
Synchronisation and latency
K5:
Audio and Video Systems
K6:
audio and video data compression techniques
K7:
analogue systems
K8:
principles of acoustics, lighting, vision and cameras
K9:
how to manage media through video and audio recording systems, integration of edit choices, timecode, codecs, wrappers, file formats, processing, graphics and audio packaging
K10:
Broadcasting Software management
K11:
The use of applications and software to control complex systems to switch or deliver a range of services such as: Electronic Programme Guides (EPG), Subtitles, Conditional Access, on Demand services, ingest of material, scheduling, delivery networks and platforms, Automated Control, remote controlled equipment
K12:
Functions and components of database management systems and database integrity
K13:
IP Networking
K14:
Including computing and number systems and protocols
K15:
Network topology
K16:
Secure and open systems for transmitting or broadcasting including, but not limited to, Local Access Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Virtual networks and Cloud based networks
K17:
Video streaming protocols
K18:
Security principles
K19:
How to identify physical and cyber security threats and vulnerabilities and the security practices applied to broadcast, media and communications infrastructure to protect and maintain content and operations
K20:
Electrical Engineering
K21:
Including electrical supply types and systems, and the use of low and high voltage devices
K22:
Effective operation of heating and cooling systems
K23:
Safe working practices, including the use of appropriate safety devices on commercial and domestic premises
K24:
The relevant electrical engineering policies and procedures that apply to their role
K25:
Low power circuits, frequencies, processing and an understanding of systems components and overall architecture
K26:
Health and Safety Legislation, policies and procedures
K27:
Including fire safety, electrical safety, site access, relevant permit to work requirements
K28:
Completion of risk assessment and method statements and reporting procedures
K29:
When and how to use personal protective equipment
K30:
Business, Project and Service Management
K31:
The relevant regulatory bodies and their individual content and technical requirements
K32:
How their business is structured and fits into the industry, the roles involved in engineering delivery, their customers and suppliers and the need for business continuity
K33:
Service reporting, incident and problem management and escalation
K34:
How to identify and deal with risks to service, and maintain accurate records of actions taken
K35:
The principles of project management
K36:
Relevant environmental legislation and standards applicable to their organisation including energy awareness, requirements for recycling and disposal and the impact on communities
Technical Educational Products
- ST0426: Broadcast and media systems engineer (integrated degree) (Level 6) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0426
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £49,881 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 2124 Electronics engineers
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 2124/01 Broadcast engineers (professional)
- 3417/99 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators n.e.c.
S1:
Monitor and maintain operational systems through analysis and problem solving
S2:
Operate and maintain technical broadcast or networking systems following defined procedures to ensure uninterrupted service, in line with service level agreements
S3:
Apply a logical, structured approach to identifying, isolating and diagnosing root causes and addressing technical problems and resolving faults on broadcast systems and networks using appropriate tools and techniques
S4:
Use software to monitor and maintain broadcast and network system availability, interrogate data and act on any issues
S5:
Use and maintain mobile and fixed test and measurement equipment such as analysers, and act on the results
S6:
Use technical knowledge bases to support existing and new installations
S7:
Comply with own organisations policies and procedures relating to individual and group responsibilities for Health and Safety
S8:
Design systems and specifications
S9:
Produce and update system designs and documentation when required
S10:
Interpret and use technical documentation including circuit diagrams and data sheets when creating, installing or maintaining systems and networks
S11:
Identify and specify the appropriate cables, connectors and components for the required frequencies or data rates that need to be delivered
S12:
Install systems and share technical knowledge
S13:
Install broadcast and network systems, commissioning and producing appropriate technical documentation and handover to users checking these are understood
S14:
Communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing, taking into account the audience and possible impact on business relationships
S15:
Provide technical advice and guidance as required
S16:
Maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Technical Educational Products
- ST0426: Broadcast and media systems engineer (integrated degree) (Level 6) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0426
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £49,881 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 2124 Electronics engineers
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 2124/01 Broadcast engineers (professional)
- 3417/99 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators n.e.c.
B1:
Personal and Professional Responsibility:
B2:
Drive to achieve in all aspects of work. Demonstrate resilience and determination when managing difficult situations, and able to influence the behaviour of others to meet required outcomes. Meet required professional standards. Work with integrity and take an ethical approach to develop trust with stakeholders. Communicate and issue reports and statements in an objective and truthful manner. Maintain professional conduct and develop and maintain own professional competence.
B3:
Innovation and Resourcefulness:
B4:
Understand the bigger picture and work enthusiastically and creatively to analyse problems and develop innovative and workable solutions to problems. Have a solution focus, not a problem focus and be positive and adaptable, responding well to feedback and the need for change.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0426: Broadcast and media systems engineer (integrated degree) (Level 6) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0426
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £49,881 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 2124 Electronics engineers
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 2124/01 Broadcast engineers (professional)
- 3417/99 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators n.e.c.
