Remote Encoder Technician

Role overview

This remote position supports ESPN and ABC live events by managing on-site transmission and telecommunications services for remote productions. The work covers a mix of high- and low-bandwidth fiber transport, voice and data circuits, encryption and compression tools, and other telecom infrastructure needed to keep event audio, video, and communications flowing between the venue and ESPN’s Bristol facilities, as well as other locations.

The role is part of the Remote Traffic function, which coordinates temporary phone, internet, and Ethernet services at venues, supports network and production returns, oversees vendors, handles service supervision at larger events, and helps manage event budgets and invoice coding.

What you will do

• Oversee transmission and telecom support for ESPN remote events of different sizes and complexity.
• Work with Remote Traffic, Transmission, Remote Operations, other internal teams, and external vendors to plan and integrate event-specific technical and operational needs.
• Read, interpret, and distribute work order details to the right stakeholders before and during each event within the required timeline.
• Provide hands-on support for on-site transmission at remote sporting venues.
• Provide hands-on support for on-site telecommunications at remote sporting venues.
• Join site surveys to assess venues and prepare written pre-event plans.
• Keep current with the technical and operational requirements of telecom systems and related equipment.
• Confirm that transport service providers and equipment vendors comply with ESPN technical and operational standards.
• Take on special assignments as needed.
• Be available for weekend and evening travel and on-site support.

Requirements

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong accuracy and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-sensitive environment.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in broadcast or technical operations, including on-site work with remote transport and transmission systems.
• Experience supporting remote production workflows and remote transport operations.
• Solid understanding of production workflows and operating systems.
• Strong working knowledge of telecom services.
• Experience handling and rolling out multiple budgets.
• High school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• Ability to lift more than 50 lbs.
• Willingness to work nights, holidays, and weekends.

Preferred education

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification is preferred.

Additional information

This is a remote full-time role based in Connecticut, United States. The hiring range for this position is $55 to $80 per hour, depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The final offer may vary based on those factors.

Remote Traffic Operations is responsible for transmission, telecommunications, and internet access for all ESPN and ABC remote events. Transmission may use fiber, satellite, IP, or a combination of these methods to send event audio and video back to ESPN’s Bristol facility and other destinations. The department also manages network returns, production returns, temporary phone setup at venues, temporary internet and Ethernet installation, VoIP-enabling services, site supervision for larger events, vendor coordination, budget creation, and invoice coding for the correct events.

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Perks

Compensation is offered at an hourly rate within a range of $55 to $80, with the final rate influenced by location and candidate background.