Technical Director | Engineer

the primary focus, this position also provides essential engineering leadership to ensure best-in-class studio operations and infrastructure while executing the visual identity of a leading global brand.

Beyond core technical direction responsibilities, this position champions production value through proactive technical contribution, innovation in visual storytelling, and implementation of emerging broadcast technologies including IP-based workflows and virtual production techniques. The role requires masterful coordination of technical elements under pressure while maintaining meticulous quality standards. As a passionate advocate for visual excellence, the successful candidate brings both technical precision and engineering insight, excelling at cross-functional collaboration to deliver premium content for a Fortune 100 brand. The Technical Director | Engineer reports to the Executive Producer, Production Studio. This is a hybrid role collaborating regularly on-site in Chicago, IL, with access to state-of-the-art control rooms and a cutting-edge production ecosystem. This role may also require some occasional domestic travel to execute remote live events.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead technical direction for live productions:

• Direct sophisticated multi-camera switching for select corporate live streams, including complex productions utilizing 6+ video sources, featuring dynamic graphics integration and multi-platform delivery
• Conduct pre-production meetings with business partners to ensure complete show rundowns and account for all required live elements
• Establish and direct compelling shot compositions and provide guidance to non-supervisory production contractors during broadcasts
• Implement brand-approved graphics and visual elements in real-time
• Operate advanced video switchers (TriCaster TC2 Elite, BlackMagic) with precision and creativity
• Coordinate technical cues and transitions under producer direction
• Troubleshoot technical issues in real time during live productions
• Partner with Technical Manager and Media Manager on control room operations and long-term technology strategy

• Drive engineering excellence:

• Architect and optimize control room configurations and IP-based signal workflows
• Build custom ME layouts for TriCaster and BlackMagic switchers
• Program Elgato Stream Deck and Companion macros for equipment automation
• Troubleshoot production equipment to ensure proper functionality
• Provide guidance on equipment standards and next-generation technology upgrades
• Analyze and resolve complex technical challenges across production infrastructure

• Advance production studio capabilities:

• Evaluate and implement emerging broadcast and post-production technologies
• Explore cloud-enabled production concepts and remote workflow innovations
• Develop ongoing standardized technical procedures and documentation
• Design scalable technical solutions for evolving remote production needs
• Contribute innovative approaches and implement next-generation technologies to enhance studio capabilities

• Maximize production value:

• Elevate visual storytelling through sophisticated technical execution
• Deliver premium broadcast quality through optimized resources
• Implement creative solutions within technical constraints
• Lead technical planning for high-profile broadcasts
• Balance technical excellence with production efficiency

• Champion cross-functional collaboration:

• Partner with producers, production and creative stakeholders
• Collaborate with studio teams on workflow documentation, equipment maintenance, and security compliance
• Guide non-technical stakeholders through broadcast possibilities and limitations
• Provide technical consultation across business units
• Support broader Production Studio needs during high-demand periods
• Serve as backup to the Technical Manager during absences, maintaining the studio's technical operations and producing high-profile broadcasts

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Supervisory responsibilities:

• The job may manage some non-supervisory contractors, consultants or temps.

Preferred qualifications:

Education and experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; may also have advanced degree

• 5+ years production experience, open to vendor side experience as well (i.e. post-production house; production company); open to national TV/top local market production environment or internal creative department in a consumer marketing organization as well.

• Submission of a technical direction reel showcasing broadcast-quality switching abilities is required

Certificates, licenses, registrations

*None required

Functional skills:

Technical broadcast expertise:

• Expert proficiency in:

• Vizrt/Newtek TriCaster TC2 Elite operations and programming

• BlackMagic video switchers and routers

• Elgato Stream Deck and Companion macro programming

• Multi-camera broadcast direction and switching

• Control room setup and IP-based configuration

• Live broadcast engineering and signal flow

• Building custom ME layouts for advanced video switchers

• Basic working knowledge of Adobe Premiere

Live production excellence:

• Demonstrated mastery of:

• Real-time video switching and technical directing
• Multi-camera shot composition, direction and PTZ camera operation
• Live graphics implementation and management
• Complex broadcast troubleshooting under pressure
• Broadcast or corporate standards and quality control
• Pre-production technical planning
• Virtual production techniques and remote integration

Engineering and technical leadership:

• Proven abilities in:

• Broadcast system architecture and optimization
• Video signal workflow design and implementation
• Equipment evaluation and specification
• Technical documentation and standardization
• Problem-solving complex broadcast engineering challenges
• Technology integration and infrastructure development
• Forward-thinking approach to broadcast innovation

Project management and creative execution:

• Track record of:

• Managing complex technical broadcasts
• Implementing technical workflow improvements
• Balancing creative direction with technical requirements
• Delivering high-quality production under tight deadlines
• Strategic planning and resource optimization while maintaining production quality

Communication and collaboration:

• Excellence in:

• Leading technical crews in live production environments
• Partnering with producers and creative directors
• Explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Working effectively with executives in corporate settings
• Building cross-functional relationships and partnerships
• Maintaining composure during high-pressure live situations

Professional attributes:

• Demonstrated commitment to:

• Broadcast technical excellence and innovation
• Proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement
• Precision and attention to detail
• Team leadership and collaborative success
• Calm professional demeanor under pressure
• Driving next-generation production capabilities

Skills
Broadcast Engineering, Broadcasting Operations, Broadcast Technologies, Control Rooms, Live Productions

Compensation
Compensation offered for this role is $85,600.00 - 152,650.00 annually and is based on experience and qualifications.
The candidate(s) offered this position will be required to submit to a background investigation.

Joining our team isn't just a job - it's an opportunity. One that takes your skills and pushes them to the next level. One that encourages you to challenge the status quo. And one where you can impact the future for the greater good.

You'll do all this in a flexible environment that embraces connection and belonging. And with the recognition of several inclusivity and diversity awards, we've proven that Allstate empowers everyone to lead, drive change and give back where they work and live.

Good Hands. Greater Together.

Allstate generally does not sponsor individuals for employment-based visas for this position.

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