Field Engineer / EIC - Live Sports & Immersive Production

AbelCine is a leading provider of production equipment, technology solutions, and professional services for the film, television, and broadcast industries. Through our Production Services division, we connect talented technical professionals with exciting opportunities in live events, broadcast production, and cutting-edge production technology nationwide. 

We are expanding our roster of experienced Freelance Broadcast Engineers and Engineers-in-Charge (EICs) to support a leading immersive sports and entertainment technology company on live sporting events and specialized production projects across the country. Our client uses advanced camera systems and innovative broadcast technology to capture and deliver immersive viewing experiences for professional and collegiate sporting events, including basketball, football, combat sports, and more.

We're seeking technically skilled broadcast professionals interested in training on specialized production systems and joining a roster of qualified engineers available for recurring assignments. Assignments are scheduled based on event calendars, location, and crew availability, with the potential for weekly work during active sports seasons.

Responsibilities

• Set up, configure, operate, and troubleshoot broadcast engineering equipment for live sporting events and remote productions.
• Support specialized camera systems, including 8K and RED cameras and wide-angle lens configurations used for immersive capture.
• Assist with building, configuring, and deploying flypack-based production systems, including integrating broadcast equipment, signal routing, networking components, and control interfaces.
• Assist with the setup, operation, and breakdown of flypack-based production systems.
• Establish, test, and monitor video signals and transmission paths between cameras, production equipment, and downstream distribution systems.
• Install, connect, test, and troubleshoot fiber infrastructure, cabling, and video signal paths.Configure and support network infrastructure and connectivity for broadcast production systems.
• Set up and configure Stream Decks and other production control interfaces to support camera operations and production workflows.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues involving cameras, fiber, cabling, networking, video signals, and production equipment before and during live events.
• Work closely with production teams, camera operators, technical managers, and other crew members to ensure reliable event coverage.
• Participate in training to learn the clients proprietary technology, equipment configurations, and production workflows.
• Follow established technical procedures, safety protocols, and client production standards.
• Travel to sporting venues and production locations as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Professional experience in broadcast engineering, remote television production, or live sports broadcasting.
• Hands-on experience setting up and troubleshooting broadcast video equipment and signal paths.
• Experience with fiber infrastructure, including installation, connectivity, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of broadcast networking, including network configuration, connectivity, and signal transport.
• Familiarity with professional camera systems and video transmission workflows.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, with the ability to quickly identify and resolve technical issues in fast-paced live production environments.
• Experience working in live production environments where technical issues must be resolved quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate with technical crews, and adapt to different venues and production setups.
• Willingness to learn specialized immersive production technology and workflows.
• Availability for freelance assignments, including evenings, weekends, and travel as dictated by sporting event schedules.
• Ability to provide a current resume outlining relevant broadcast engineering experience.

Preferred:

• Experience as an Engineer-in-Charge (EIC), E2, Broadcast Engineer, Fiber Technician, or Technical Manager.
• Experience building, configuring, and deploying flypacks for remote and live event productions.Experience with 8K cameras, RED camera systems, specialty camera configurations, or immersive/VR production.
• Familiarity with Stream Decks or similar production control interfaces.
• Knowledge of IP-based video transport, broadcast networking, fiber transmission, and live streaming workflows.
• Experience supporting professional or collegiate sports broadcasts, including NBA, NFL, UFC, or similar productions.
• ​​​​​​​Previous experience with multi-camera productions, remote venue setups, and live event transmission.

Prior experience with clients proprietary systems is not required. Training will be provided to selected engineers.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout production venues for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance as needed.
• Manual dexterity to handle broadcast equipment, cables, and connectors.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments with varying weather, noise, and lighting conditions.
• Ability to work shifts of up to 12 hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel for multi-day assignments as needed.

Compensation & Assignment Details

• Daily Rate: $900 for a 12-hour assignment.
• Travel Day Rate: Full daily rate for flights exceeding five hours; half daily rate for flights under five hours.
• Per Diem: $65 per day for travel assignments.
• Typical Travel Engagement: Approximately four days, depending on the event.
• Frequency: Recurring project-based assignments, potentially as often as weekly depending on the sports season, location, and production schedule.

Assignments are offered based on client needs and individual availability. Joining the roster does not guarantee a minimum number of workdays.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic predisposition, veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense or stalking, or any other class or status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.