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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Video Technology Supervisor

💰 $95,000 - $140,000

TechnologyMedia & EntertainmentBroadcastManagementVideo Engineering

🎯 Role Definition

As our Video Technology Supervisor, you are the cornerstone of our broadcast and media operations. You're not just managing systems; you're leading a team, pioneering new workflows, and guaranteeing the stability and quality of every video stream that leaves our facility. You'll be the go-to expert for complex technical challenges, the strategic mind behind our technology roadmap, and the mentor guiding the next generation of video engineers. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise in video transport, encoding, and IP networking, combined with proven leadership skills to inspire your team and collaborate effectively with production, IT, and executive stakeholders. Your success will be measured by the reliability of our broadcasts, the efficiency of our operations, and the innovation you bring to our technological landscape.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Video Engineer
  • Lead Broadcast Technician
  • Media Systems Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Director of Video Engineering
  • Manager of Broadcast Operations
  • Head of Media Technology

Lateral Moves:

  • Senior Project Manager (Media Tech)
  • Video Systems Architect

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of video engineers and broadcast technicians, overseeing daily tasks, performance evaluations, and professional development.
  • Architect, implement, and maintain the complete end-to-end video workflow, including signal ingest, routing, processing, encoding, transcoding, and multi-platform distribution.
  • Oversee the 24/7/365 reliability, availability, and quality of all on-air and streaming video services, ensuring minimal downtime and rapid issue resolution.
  • Act as the primary escalation point for all critical video system failures, leading troubleshooting efforts and coordinating with internal teams and external vendors to restore service.
  • Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all video operations, including live event support, system maintenance, and quality control checks.
  • Manage and maintain core broadcast infrastructure, including video routers, production switchers, multiviewers, playout servers, and graphics systems (e.g., Evertz, Grass Valley, Ross, Vizrt).
  • Spearhead the transition from traditional SDI-based workflows to modern IP-based video infrastructure, utilizing standards like SMPTE 2110 and NDI.
  • Administer and optimize our Media Asset Management (MAM) and Production Asset Management (PAM) systems to ensure efficient content lifecycle management.
  • Evaluate, recommend, and manage the procurement of new video technology and equipment, handling vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and budget planning.
  • Lead the planning and execution of technology projects, including system upgrades, facility build-outs, and new service launches, from conception to final implementation.
  • Collaborate closely with production teams to understand their technical requirements and provide robust, reliable solutions for live and pre-recorded content creation.
  • Manage the video encoding pipeline for both live streaming (HLS, DASH) and video-on-demand (VOD) assets, ensuring optimal quality and compatibility across all target devices.
  • Design and maintain comprehensive system monitoring and alerting solutions to proactively identify and address potential issues within the video ecosystem.
  • Oversee the configuration and management of secure video transport solutions over public and private networks, using protocols such as SRT, Zixi, and RIST.
  • Ensure all video and audio signals comply with industry standards and technical specifications for parameters like colorimetry, loudness, and closed captioning.
  • Develop and regularly test disaster recovery and business continuity plans for all critical video operation systems.
  • Provide expert-level technical support for high-profile live events, broadcasts, and remote productions, ensuring flawless execution.
  • Manage departmental budgets, including capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenses (OpEx), ensuring cost-effective technology solutions.
  • Stay abreast of emerging industry trends, technologies, and standards—such as 4K/UHD, HDR, cloud-based production, and AI-driven media workflows—to inform our technology strategy.
  • Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including system diagrams, workflow charts, and maintenance guides, for the video engineering team.
  • Partner with IT and network engineering teams to ensure the underlying network infrastructure can support the demanding requirements of high-bitrate video traffic.
  • Conduct regular quality control (QC) audits of video content and delivery platforms to maintain the highest standards of viewer experience.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis related to video performance and system metrics.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader technology strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate content and distribution needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the technology department.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Broadcast Video Systems: Deep expertise in core broadcast equipment including routers, switchers, and playout servers from vendors like Evertz, Grass Valley, and Ross Video.
  • IP Video Protocols: Proficiency with IP video transport standards such as SMPTE ST 2110, ST 2022-6, NDI, and contribution protocols like SRT, Zixi, and RIST.
  • Codecs & Containers: Extensive knowledge of video/audio codecs (H.264, HEVC/H.265, AV1, ProRes) and container formats (MP4, TS, MOV).
  • Cloud Media Services: Hands-on experience with cloud-based video workflows on platforms like AWS (Elemental MediaLive, MediaConnect, S3), Google Cloud, or Azure Media Services.
  • Encoding/Transcoding Systems: Strong command of live and file-based transcoding platforms such as FFmpeg, Harmonic, and Telestream Vantage.
  • Asset Management Systems: Experience administering Media Asset Management (MAM) or Production Asset Management (PAM) systems (e.g., Dalet, Avid, CatDV).
  • Network Engineering: Solid foundation in network principles, including TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, and Quality of Service (QoS) as they apply to media traffic.
  • Diagnostic Tools: Proficiency with professional test and measurement equipment like waveform monitors, vectorscopes, and network packet analyzers (e.g., Wireshark).
  • Scripting & Automation: Ability to use languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell to automate repetitive tasks and integrate systems via APIs.
  • Streaming Technologies: In-depth understanding of adaptive bitrate streaming (HLS, DASH) and its interaction with Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).
  • Broadcast Automation: Familiarity with broadcast automation systems and their integration with the surrounding video ecosystem.

Soft Skills

  • Team Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a technical team.
  • Advanced Troubleshooting: An analytical and methodical approach to solving complex, time-sensitive technical problems.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Excellent ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
  • Vendor Management: Experience managing relationships, negotiations, and support escalations with technology vendors.
  • High-Pressure Decision Making: The capacity to remain calm and make sound judgments during live broadcast incidents.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the bigger picture and align technology decisions with business goals.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to quality and precision in all aspects of video engineering and operations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience demonstrating expert-level knowledge.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s degree or advanced industry certifications (e.g., Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), AWS Certified Solutions Architect).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Broadcast Engineering or Technology
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Media Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7-10 years of progressive experience in broadcast engineering, video operations, or media technology.

Preferred: A minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or lead technical role within a 24/7 live media, broadcast, or streaming environment is highly desirable.

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