Chicago Sports Network is hiring: Lead Audio Engineer (A1) in Chicago

Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) is seeking an experienced Lead Audio Engineer (A1) to join our Studio Operations team in a cross-functional role, working closely with the Broadcast Technical Operations, Live Events, and Content & Programming teams. In this vital position, you will lead the Audio Engineering department, overseeing audio deployments across studio, remote, and cloud environments. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, a passion for delivering exceptional audio experiences, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams to drive innovation and excellence in live sports broadcasting.

As the Lead Audio Engineer (A1), you will be responsible for overseeing all audio engineering efforts for live sports broadcasts, remote productions, and cloud-based solutions, ensuring the highest standard of audio quality and seamless operations across all platforms. In this leadership role, you will manage the audio department, including supervising Assistant Audio Engineers (A2), and ensuring alignment with technical and operational standards. You will collaborate closely with the Director of Studio Operations, Director of Broadcast Technical Operations, Senior Engineers, and production teams, working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment to shape the future of broadcast audio technology and maintain flawless audio performance across all productions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead Audio Engineering for Productions: Serve as the principal audio engineer for all assigned studio, remote, and cloud-based productions. Oversee the technical execution of audio workflows to ensure high-quality sound throughout the production process, from pre-production to final broadcast. Mix all studio shows consistently and error-free, daily, ensuring clarity, balance, and high-fidelity audio throughout the broadcast.
• Collaboration with Broadcast Technical Operations: Work closely with the Broadcast Technical Operations team to implement, manage, and optimize audio infrastructure across CHSN’s studio, remote, and cloud platforms. Ensure audio systems and equipment integrate seamlessly with the broadcast chain, supporting both traditional and cloud-based workflows.
• Audio System Design and Implementation: Lead the design, setup, and maintenance of audio systems, including mixing consoles, microphones, wireless systems, and networked audio solutions. Implement innovative technologies that elevate production quality and efficiency.
• Music Library Management: Maintain and regularly update the music library, ensuring that it meets production needs and remains organized and accessible for all broadcast uses.
• Cue Sheets and Documentation: Create and distribute cue sheets when required, ensuring that all necessary audio cues are properly documented and distributed in a timely manner to all relevant team members.
• Project Coordination and Scheduling: Collaborate with production teams, technical staff, and external partners to ensure audio engineering tasks align with overall production timelines. Coordinate audio deployment schedules, ensuring all technical requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
• Technical Support & Troubleshooting: Provide expert technical support for all audio systems across studio, remote, and cloud environments. Troubleshoot and resolve audio issues during live broadcasts, ensuring uninterrupted audio performance.
• Maintenance & Upgrades: Oversee routine maintenance, upgrades, and repairs of audio equipment. Regularly evaluate and test new audio technologies to stay ahead of industry trends and ensure CHSN’s audio infrastructure remains cutting-edge.
• Documentation & Process Development: Maintain detailed documentation of audio systems, procedures, and workflows. Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for audio engineering processes to ensure best practices and compliance with production and technical standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the lead point of contact for audio engineering across all departments. Collaborate closely with content, graphics, and IT teams to ensure smooth and synchronized operations across all broadcast elements.
• Cloud & Remote Audio Operations: Lead efforts in deploying and maintaining cloud-based audio solutions, supporting remote productions that may include satellite, IP, or streaming-based workflows.
• Vendor & Partner Coordination: Work with third-party vendors, partners, and contractors to integrate new audio technology, maintain equipment, and provide technical support. Serve as the primary contact for audio-related needs with external vendors.
• Performance Monitoring & Compliance: Monitor audio quality and performance metrics during broadcasts to ensure compliance with league standards and company policies. Perform regular audits to ensure optimal system performance and adapt to emerging industry trends.
• Leadership of A2s and Departmental Oversight: Manage the scheduling, training, and operations of Assistant Audio Engineers (A2s). Ensure they are well-prepared and aligned with CHSN’s technical and operational standards. The A1 must ensure that the department functions smoothly, with the A2s supporting the A1 in delivering flawless audio operations across productions.
• Additional Duties: Support other technical and operational duties as assigned, including post-production reviews, troubleshooting reports, and adapting to changing production needs or technological advancements.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

• Proven experience as an Audio Engineer, preferably within a broadcast or live production environment.
• Extensive hands-on experience with audio systems, including mixing consoles, wireless audio systems, and digital audio workflows.
• Expertise in studio, remote, and cloud-based audio operations, particularly for live sports and high-stakes broadcasts.
• Strong understanding of audio routing, signal flow, and troubleshooting in complex production environments.
• Experience managing large-scale audio systems and collaborating cross-functionally with various technical departments.
• Knowledge of industry-standard audio software and hardware, including Dante, AES67, and IP-based audio systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot under pressure.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and senior management.
• Familiarity with broadcast compliance standards and best practices for audio in live productions.
• Experience: 2 to 5+ years in a live broadcast engineering environment, ideally with remote production experience.
• Education: BA/BS degree in Communications, Telecommunications, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Flexibility: Open to working weekends, holidays, and periodic travel, including international air travel. Must possess or be willing to obtain a U.S. passport.
• Ability to work shifts lasting between 8 to 12 hours, with potential extensions up to 18 hours.
• Capability to walk or stand for up to 8 hours at a time.
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, and climbing stairs. Ability to ascend and descend a ladder.
• Ability to lift weights of 50 to 75 lbs. and carry 50 lbs. over 50 feet.
• Ability to pinch (10 lbs.) and grip (50 lbs.) broadcast equipment.
• Ability to maintain a position within a space 3.5 - 4 feet tall for up to 1 minute.
• Ability to horizontally move 50 lbs. on a push-pull cart for up to 50 feet and vertically move 50 lbs. using upper extremities.

The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) launched in October across multiple platforms. The network will air more than 300 live Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox games annually and include pre- and postgame coverage while showing multisport programming 24 hours a day. CHSN will broadcast from studios located in both Chicago's United Center and Guaranteed Rate Field. The network will start airing Blackhawks and Bulls preseason games in October, showing White Sox games beginning in 2025.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other status protected by applicable law.