Director, Distribution & Transmission

MLB Network seeks a Director, Distribution & Transmission to manage and provide support for transmissions and distribution of MLB Network’s Broadcast systems, network origination, satellite as well as terrestrial acquisition/encryption, and the onsite Earth Station.

Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage the enhancements, support, and maintenance of:
  • Video encryption systems for affiliate delivery and blackout/alt feeds.
  • Broadcast computer and IT networking system.
  • Satellite transmission system including encoders/decoders and IP delivery.
  • Earth Station with transmit and receive satellite farm.
• Ensure the highest possible up-time for the various directed systems.
• Create and discuss potential business projects with Senior Management.
• Create and maintain operational budgets.
• Create and manage project plans.
• Ensure the timely delivery of multiple deliverables.
• Manage the Broadcast IT LAN (local area network) by working closely with Back Office IT staff and their networking experts. This includes oversight of port assignments and configurations.
• Evolve the technology skill set of peers and other engineers through formal and informal peer training.
• Track and manage directed systems maintenance contract renewals (SLAs).
• Work with MLB partners on new technologies such as OTT and TV Everywhere.
• Coordinating, directing, and monitoring the work of direct reports, indirect reports, contractors, vendors, and engineers including scope, project management, design, implementation and overall end to end project decisions.
• Ability to analyze and understand requirements, develop solutions, implement technologies and complete launch and testing of systems.
• Other such duties as required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• The position requires a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in master control, digital video encoding, and fiber transmission. Experience in IT networking both from an operational and architectural standpoint is required.  Previous experience with video servers and encoding systems is preferred. 

• An in-depth understanding of:
• Video compression standards (MPEG2, H.264/AVC, HEVC).
• Video transmission protocols/formats (MPEG2 transport stream, SCTE35, ASI, RTP, SRT, RIST).
• IT and Network technology concepts, including but not limited to SMPTE 2110 (IP routing/switching, multicast routing, protocol analysis, server management).
• Packet and signal capture analysis.
• Uncompressed Digital Video (HD-SDI, 3G, SCTE104, SCTE224).
• Database concepts, SQL statements.
• Systems telemetry monitoring, alerting, observability, and automation.
• Linux experience (server configuration, shell scripting, log analysis, Python) a plus.
• AutoCAD documentation experience a plus.
• Satellite/RF transmission and reception concepts (Carrier, Transponder, EIRP, Eb/No, Spectrum Analyzer, IRD). A plus
• Proficiency in MS Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook, and use of the Internet is required.
• Knowledge of encryption systems, traffic programs and broadcast automation applications is a must.
• The individual must be a hands-on Manager, with the training, experience and desire to manage/support multiple complex operations and perform problem-resolution and prioritization.
• Must be able to analyze complex electronic problems and make and deliver on recommendations for corrective action.
• Ability to work well/multi-task in a dynamic HD broadcasting environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• The individual must be capable of simultaneously maintaining a big picture view while being detail oriented.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent knowledge of media industry business processes is desirable.
• Highly organized, self-motivated individual who can interface with a diverse group of people and situations. This must be an energetic individual, who welcomes a challenge and is able to work in a fast-moving, quick response, demanding, flexible environment, with limited day-to-day supervision.
• Hands-on working knowledge of uplink systems.
• Knowledge of multiple transmission systems including DSNG, fiber and IP delivery.
• Knowledge of digital video encryption systems
• Knowledge of computer and IT network systems.
• Knowledge of broadcast server environments, traffic applications and automation systems
• Demonstrate the tact, diplomacy, decisiveness, and superior people skills required in the pressurized environment of live television.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
• Possess visual acuity sufficient to perform required tasks.
• Possess manual dexterity sufficient to perform required tasks.
• Possess the auditory acuity needed to effectively create required work product.
• Must possess excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Prompt and regular attendance at an assigned work location.
• Ability to travel as needed both domestically and internationally as required

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent related experience (Master’s in Engineering preferred and an MBA a plus).

Position Reports to:

• VP, Engineering

Pay Range: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00

As a candidate for this position, your salary and related aspects of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, skills, and any other factors MLB Network considers relevant to the hiring decision. In addition to your salary, MLB Network believes in providing a competitive benefits package for its employees. 

Top MLB Network Perks & Benefits:

• Exceptional Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage 
• Company Contributed 401K Plan 
• Paid Time Off and Holidays 
• Family Leave Benefits
• Commuter Benefits
• Discounts at MLB Store | MLBShop.com
• Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement

Why MLB Network?

MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans, with studios located in Secaucus, N.J., just minutes from New York City. Featuring live regular season game telecasts, original programming, highlights, insights and analysis from the best in the business, MLB Network produces baseball content for delivery to multiple media platforms. Cutting-edge technology is used to create MLB Network's Emmy Award-winning programming via roles in live studio and remote production, operations, engineering, media management, creative services, social media and others.

MLB Network is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.  We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. We also only consider qualified applicants’ criminal histories when required by legal requirements. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email us at MLBNHR@mlb.com. Requests received for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

 

Are you ready to Step Up to the Plate? Apply below!