Transmission Specialist I

Technology is at the heart of Disney’s past, present, and future. Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a global organization of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, data scientists, and more – all working to build and advance the technological backbone for Disney’s media business globally.

The team marries technology with creativity to build world-class products, enhance storytelling, and drive velocity, innovation, and scalability for our businesses. We are Storytellers and Innovators. Creators and Builders. Entertainers and Engineers. We work with every part of The Walt Disney Company’s media portfolio to advance the technological foundation and consumer media touch points serving millions of people around the world.

Here are a few reasons why we think you’d love working here:

1. Building the future of Disney’s media: Our Technologists are designing and building the products and platforms that will power our media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.

2. Reach, Scale & Impact: More than ever, Disney’s technology and products serve as a signature doorway for fans' connections with the company’s brands and stories. Disney+. Hulu. ESPN. ABC. ABC News…and many more. These products and brands – and the unmatched stories, storytellers, and events they carry – matter to millions of people globally.

3. Innovation: We develop and implement groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms, and solve complex and distinctive technical problems.

Content Platforms & Operations is responsible for the development and ongoing advancement of the technical and operational functions driving the worldwide distribution and monetization of Disney’s linear networks and theatrical content. This includes Disney’s media supply chain and storage, network and theatrical distribution operations, media localization, network transmission and origination, and more. The global team also plays a critical role as the primary collaboration point for Product & Technology with Disney’s EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regional business teams.

Job Summary:

The Bristol Disney Entertainment & ESPN Transmission team supports the 24x7 monitoring and operational sustainment for linear and digital distribution of ESPN, ABC and The Walt Disney Company Cable Networks, which include Freeform, Disney Channels, FX and National Geographic offerings.  

As a member of our 24/7, highly skilled Bristol Transmission team, you will work with cutting-edge technology and be responsible for TWDC’s most valuable sports & entertainment content airing on our linear & digital networks. In 2023, Bristol Transmission acquired & conditioned over 280K contribution feeds utilizing satellite, fiber & IP transport, supporting studio shows & live sports for ESPN & ABC and digital offerings on ESPN+ & our authenticated ESPN3 / TV Everywhere platforms. 

If you are looking for an operational tempo where you will be challenged every day to work at a high level on high profile events, the Bristol Transmission team is the right place to showcase your talents, experience, and expertise! 

• Demonstrates an understanding of signal measurement and procedures. 
• Fundamental knowledge of MPEG-2, MPEG-4 & HEVC digital compression systems to support distribution for TWDC’s family of networks (ESPN, ABC, Freeform, Disney Channels, FX & Nat Geo.)  
• Basic understanding of satellite, fiber &IP based transport (HLS, RTMP, SRT, unicast, multicast, etc.) 
• Interact with internal departments & outside service providers to plan for day-to-day live feed acquisition. 
• Responsible for troubleshooting & resolution of specific daily operational problems, working closely with other Disney Entertainment / ESPN departments & outside business partners. Recommend corrective actions where appropriate. 
• Perform quality control and corrective action to enhance product. 
• Expected to fully comprehend applicable SOPs & subsequent workflows for assigned transmission areas of responsibilities. 
• Comprehend the operational functionality of our Evertz IRM operating system, the true lifeblood of the Transmission team. 
• Basic understanding of streaming technology & workflow associated with our digital offerings (ESPN+ / STAR+ / ESPN3 / TVE / ABC OTTO.) 
• Participate in interdepartmental meetings involving projects / issues affecting Transmission department. 
• Assist with special projects as assigned by department management. 
• Stay up to date on industry trends and new technology. 

Responsibilities:

• There are several disciplines & areas of expertise in Transmission such as Video, RF, IP transport stream analysis, affiliate reception issues, FCC compliance; becoming proficient with all tools and signal flows is required. 
• Provide general suggestions on modifying procedures & processes for more streamlined workflow. 
• Take diagnostic & corrective actions to correct transmission problems associated with contribution or distribution signals. 
• Monitor Network signals & initiate corrective actions as needed. 
• Maintain knowledge of new technology & workflows to support various assignments. 
• Comply fully with company and/or departmental SOPs and any other stated policies. 
• Contribute to analysis or problem-solving measures needed to support the operation. 
• Must be adept at understanding routine information & demonstrate comprehension through operational accuracy. 
• Stay up to date on industry trends and “next gen” technology. 
• Able to work a 24/7 schedule in a fast paced, high profile Technical Operations Center (TOC). 
• Demonstrate high quality citizenship and teamwork to get the job done! 

Basic Qualifications:

• Has awareness of digital distribution equipment used in audio and video satellite uplinks & downlinks for television broadcast transmission. 
• Has awareness of MPEG-2, MPEG-4 & HEVC digital compression systems. 
• Has awareness of encryption systems used for front-haul and back-haul transmission applications. 
• Has basic knowledge of RF related test equipment. 
• Has basic knowledge of IP based transport (HLS, RTMP, SRT, unicast, multicast, etc.) 
• Has basic knowledge bonded cellular technology. 
• Must have basic computer skills in Microsoft Office applications. 
• Is a modestly experienced technical individual contributor with good skills working in a 24x7 technical operation center (TOC). 
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior Broadcasting experience, military experience within transmission, satellites, RF or related fields preferred.