Broadcast Systems Software Developer
American Public Media - Minnesota Public Radio
St. Paul
,
MN
Application Deadline: Saturday, Sep 30, 2017
Description
Position Summary:
The Broadcast Systems Software Developer is part of team of engineers who support American Public Media’s (APM’s) production and broadcast systems team. We build the engines that drive radio programs and podcasts like Marketplace, A Prairie Home Companion, The Current, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) News and The Splendid Table.
We’re looking for a creative team player to develop and support media and data interchange between broadcast systems through software applications and APIs. The successful candidate will have experience working in the Rails framework and a variety of scripting and database environments.
The candidate will assist in the administration of APM’s digital content distribution systems, external CDNs and group-supported software applications. The Broadcast Systems Software Developer works as part of the larger Broadcast Operations team to help ensure 24 by 7 uptime from all media production systems.
Position Responsibility:
- Provide middleware support for data interchange between broadcast systems.
- Experience working with Ruby on Rail and C / C++ frameworks as well as Python, Javascript and/or VBScript scripting tools.
- Working familiarity with HTML XML and JSON formats and APIs.
- Experience with FFmpeg for audio and video encoding.
- Software design, development and support for APM’s audio encoding and distribution software (Cody). Includes Ruby on Rails with Sidekiq, MySQL, APIs, watch folders and FTP.
- Design, implement and support data interchange between all of APMG’s broadcast and media production systems and IP audio systems. These systems include Dalet, XDS, ENCO, AXIA/Pathfinder, ProTools and Music Master, APM’s Web CMS
- Support automated audio and metadata exchange with the PRSS/Content Depot including the MetaPub radio metadata APIs.
- Support metadata exchange with BBC’s Nitro API.
- Work with end-users and the Operations, Software Development and Traffic teams to create internal workflow efficiencies, improve system stability and identify revenue-saving strategies.
- Collaborate with AMP’s Digital Products Group (CMS and Web Development) for system interoperability, API development, and code review.
- Coordinate with IT Infrastructure staff concerning network security procedures, best practices for managing bandwidth on media technology systems and general operation of the network to support media technology applications.
- Support APMs best-practice protocols for digital broadcast systems security.
- Provide support for StreamGuys, Adswizz and connected digital traffic systems that serve APM/MPR’s livestream, on-demand and podcast audio as well as related ad-insertion systems.
- Develop and document workflow standards, standard operating procedures, and user training for managed systems.
- Design disaster recovery functionality into all broadcast production systems, administer regular test procedures and user training.
- Provide user SOP and code-level documentation of all projects and supported systems.
- Work with APM’s Digital Products group to design and implement data interchange protocols between broadcast systems and the APMG digital media archive.
- Openly and proactively communicate ideas, plans and issues to stakeholders.
- Maintain high-level working knowledge of media technology industry trends. Use this information to drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Administer and support all broadcast and content service monitoring systems.
- Provide regular on-call rotation support in a 24/7 environment.
- Maintain outstanding customer relations and keep internal stakeholders informed on project/problem status.
- Provide division budget input as requested.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
- Two-four years of experience in software application design and support role, including direct customer support and server side applications.
- Knowledge and experience with computer based audio and media technologies and Internet media delivery systems.
- A demonstrated track record of managing significant activity or systems
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Proven ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.
- Experience working in a Dev/Stage/Production environment
- Experience with
- Experience in Ruby and Rails frameworks
- Experience in some combination of the following: Javascript, VBScript and Python.
- Experience in MySQL, MSSQL and Microsoft Access.
- Experience working in Windows operating systems including Windows Server, Windows XP, and Windows 7/10.
- Working knowledge of Unix/Linux.
- Working Knowledge of Mac OS and workstations, server integration, and media applications.
- Analytical-based approach to problem solving and a confident understanding of how technical systems work and interface.
- Thorough understanding of TCP/IP networking and IP based digital audio systems including multicast environments.
- Skill configuring and managing backup and monitoring software.
- Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills.
- Ability to embody and reflect the values of APM|MPR.
- Demonstrated ability to honor the highest degree of confidentiality.
- Knowledge of digital audio workstations and enterprise audio storage systems.
- Consultative approach and customer service orientation.
- Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and take direction from multiple sponsors and stakeholders.
- Ability to consistently work well with others across departments and divisions.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience in C/C++ frameworks
- Aptitude and interest in learning new technologies.
- Genuine team-centric approach.
- Experience in a broadcast and media production and technical systems, automation, content distribution and delivery, or media operations environment.
- Familiarity with the following systems: Axia and Pathfinder, Dalet, MusicMaster, StreamGuys, Adswizz, ProTools, ENCO, XDS.
- Two year’s experience with troubleshooting and resolving complex TCP/IP issues including multicast.
- Active consumer of media using various platforms and delivery methods.
- A working understanding of audio and video encoding methods, optimization and best practices.
Reporting To This Position: None
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
- Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
- Some travel may be required.
- Occasional 24/7 on-call shifts.
- Physical Demands:
- Required to move about in an office environment
- Required to move about in the community
- Reach with hands and arms
- Balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch
- Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
- Required to work outdoors at times
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
- Working Conditions:
- Moderate noise level
- Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.