Broadcast engineer

Broadcast engineers make sure programmes are shown at the right times, go out without issues and are of the best quality.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a broadcast engineer, you could:

  • set up and test studio equipment
  • install multimedia hardware, software and digital broadcast technology
  • operate links between studios and outside broadcast (OB) units
  • edit programmes live as they’re being transmitted or recorded
  • respond to technical issues and fix them
  • service and maintain equipment

Working environment

You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in working with specific types of equipment, such as digital, cable or satellite.

Many engineers work freelance so networking and keeping up to date with changes in the industry is really important.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of maths
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Most relevant

  • Physics - Broadcast engineers work with electrical signals, electromagnetic waves, and transmission systems every day. Understanding concepts like frequency, signal processing, and wave behaviour is essential for setting up, testing, and troubleshooting broadcast equipment.
  • Electronics - Broadcast engineers install, maintain, and repair complex electronic equipment including cameras, transmitters, and digital broadcast systems. They need to understand circuits, signal flow, and how electronic components work together to deliver high-quality audio and video.
  • Computer Science - Broadcast engineers install and configure multimedia software, digital broadcast technology, and networked systems that connect studios and outside broadcast units. Understanding how software, networks, and digital systems work helps them diagnose technical problems and keep broadcasts running smoothly.
  • Mathematics - Broadcast engineers use maths when calculating signal strengths, bandwidth, data rates, and power requirements for broadcast systems. They also rely on mathematical thinking when reading technical specifications and troubleshooting equipment faults.
  • Engineering - Broadcast engineers apply engineering principles when designing, installing, and maintaining broadcast infrastructure – from studio setups to satellite links. They need to understand systems thinking and how different pieces of hardware and software integrate to deliver a reliable broadcast.

Also relevant

  • Design and Technology - Broadcast engineers work hands-on with tools and equipment, building control systems, running cables, and setting up studios. Practical skills in working with materials and understanding technical drawings help them plan and carry out installations effectively.
  • Media Studies - Broadcast engineers ensure programmes reach audiences across TV, radio, and digital platforms without interruption. Media Studies helps them understand how media industries operate – from studio production workflows to live transmission – so they can support the teams they work alongside.
  • Business - Broadcast engineers often work freelance, which means managing their own finances, building client relationships, and marketing their services. Understanding how to run a small business is valuable for those who want to work independently in the industry.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • volunteering
  • a training scheme

You'll need a degree to apply for a graduate training scheme. Useful subjects include:

  • broadcast engineering
  • broadcast technology
  • electronics
  • physics
  • computer science

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

You may be able to find a trainee position in broadcast engineering after doing a T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

You could apply to a company to do an apprenticeship, such as a:

  • Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 3 years and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or more A levels, or equivalent, including maths and science, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

You could start work as a production assistant and apply for a place on an engineer training scheme once you have some experience.

Another option is to begin as a broadcast technician, for example after an apprenticeship, and do further training on the job to become an engineer.

You'll find it useful to get practical experience using broadcasting equipment as there is a lot of competition for places on training schemes.

You could get experience through:

  • student film and TV productions
  • community or hospital radio
  • work placements with a broadcaster

If you already work for a broadcast company in a different role, you might be able to start an engineering training scheme with the company you work for, like the BBC's degree apprenticeship.

Further information

You can find out more about working in broadcasting from:

You can also get information about working in broadcast media from ScreenSkills.

This page contains original content developed by Coffee With Ltd. You may share this page as a link but you must not copy the content or use it with AI tools. All rights reserved.