Broadcast engineer

Broadcast engineers develop, maintain and support the equipment used to make television and radio broadcasts. They install and modify different broadcasting systems, developing and supporting the latest technologies. Broadcasting relies on sophisticated equipment to produce television and radio programmes, as well as transmit them to the outside world.

Also known as:

• Radio broadcasting engineer
• Television broadcasting engineer
• TV broadcasting engineer

Work activities

Broadcast engineers work on the equipment used to make television and radio broadcasts. Those who work in television are responsible for the audio and video equipment used for studio recordings, and for network and outside broadcasts. In a large television company, studio engineers are likely to provide support to different departments, including news, broadcast and production. Some broadcast engineers are responsible for the quality of signals fed to and received from a number of networks. Some broadcast engineers work on location with outside broadcasts, or at transmitting stations, which can be in remote areas. Broadcast engineers also support new technologies, for example, satellite operations. Broadcast engineers also work in research and development departments, helping to create and develop new ideas.

Broadcast engineers working in radio are responsible for the maintenance and testing of control and switching systems. They use both analogue and digital coding equipment. Broadcast engineers sometimes work in cramped or overcrowded conditions. In outside broadcasts, they may have to work in bad weather or in isolated locations. They may have to work away from home for periods of time.

Personal qualities and skills

As a broadcast engineer, you need:

• To be interested in electronics and working on a wide range of advanced technological equipment.
• To work to very tight deadlines.
• The ability to think quickly and use your initiative.
• A flexible approach.
• Good communication skills.
• To improvise if things go wrong.
• A willingness to take responsibility when equipment fails.
• To stay calm under pressure; the whole production team will depend on you to keep the systems working.
• Strong team skills to work well with others.
• To work neatly.
• To have a high level of safety awareness.
• To keep up to date with advances in technology in this fast-changing area.
• A broad knowledge of engineering and technology, rather than a specialist knowledge of one particular system.

A genuine interest in this work is essential because competition for jobs is fierce and successful applicants tend to have relevant work experience. You should take the time to research the programmes and online services offered by the company you’re applying to join, and be ready to offer your opinions on these.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for broadcast engineers vary. The pay rates given are approximate. Broadcast engineers earn around £20,000 per year, rising to as much as £50,000 with experience.

Broadcast engineers often work long, irregular hours, including early starts, late finishes, weekends and public holidays. Some work on a freelance basis.

Employers are the BBC and independent television and radio companies. Opportunities for broadcast engineers occur with broadcasters in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry routes and training 

Most entrants have a degree, foundation degree or HND in a subject such as broadcast technology, sound/broadcast engineering or electrical/electronic engineering. Other relevant degrees include physics, and computer-related subjects such as software engineering and computer science.

A level 6 degree apprenticeship in the role of broadcast and media systems engineer could offer a great way into this career.

Having some technical skills and a strong interest in broadcasting is as important as having academic qualifications. Work experience, paid or voluntary, in areas such as local and hospital radio, local television and amateur dramatics can demonstrate this interest and experience to employers. Major broadcasting organisations such as the BBC advertise vacancies and trainee schemes as they arise. Competition for these posts is fierce.

Initial training is usually on-the-job. Broadcast engineers are expected to keep up to date with the fast-changing technology in this industry. The BBC Academy website offers information on broadcast engineering.

Broadcast engineers can progress to senior and management posts after further training and experience.

Qualifications

The usual entry requirements for a relevant engineering degree are:

• Two to three A-levels. Maths and a science or technology subject, e.g. physics may be required at A-level.
• GCSEs in your A-level subjects at grades 9-4.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4.
• English, maths and a science subject are usually required at GCSE grades 9-4.

For entry to an engineering HND course, the usual requirement is at least one A-level pass, normally in a maths or science subject.

To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will usually need two relevant A-levels and GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

A background as a technician in electronics or sound production is useful.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Some colleges and universities offer courses, including top-up specialist courses, or postgraduate degrees in electronic systems engineering, including by distance learning. See Ucas.com for a full listing.

Related careers

• Audio engineer
• Broadcasting sound operator
• Engineer
• Telecommunications engineer