NPR is seeking an Audio Engineer to join its Engineering Division. In this role, you will work closely with journalists, producers, and engineers across NPR and the public radio network to produce and deliver high-quality audio accurately and on time.

Key responsibilities include engineering NPR live broadcasts, restoring and repairing audio, operating Master Control, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with reporters and producers in a range of environments. Our engineers support a fast-paced, deadline-driven, 24/7/365 production operation by working in broadcast studios, a master control facility, and throughout the networked newsroom.

The ideal candidate is proactive, courteous, customer service focused, and an audio expert—passionate and curious about technology and committed to NPR’s mission.

This is a union-represented position covered by a collective bargaining agreement with NABET.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
– Assemble and mix complex live broadcasts and record pre-produced segments with producers and directors in a high-pressure environment
– Support and uphold NPR’s audio quality standards by identifying and repairing problematic audio
– Analyze, repair, and mix audio under tight deadlines using tools such as equalizers, compressors, and noise reduction
– QC, mix, and enhance podcasts before publication using DAVID Systems MTE and AVID Pro Tools
– Monitor incoming and outgoing audio streams and related automated playout systems; resolve technical outages and respond quickly and accurately to programming schedule changes
– Schedule, connect, and route audio using multiple IP audio transmission methods
– Test and ensure readiness of internal and remote broadcast and production systems
– Advise, train, and support journalists in using NPR technical facilities and remote recording/transmission equipment
– Teach and encourage best production practices and workflows
– Provide technical support for remote events, including site assessments and venue coordination
– Confidently, calmly, and effectively troubleshoot unexpected issues
– Communicate clearly with both editorial and technical colleagues
– Stay current on emerging and current audio broadcast equipment, systems, and workflows
– Write and update documentation for user support guides
– Promote and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in your work and workplace
– Demonstrate awareness of intersectional identities and ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds

The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned, and this job description may be updated at any time.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**REQUIRED SKILLS**
– Two years of technical experience in audio production (broadcast, live sound reinforcement, music recording, theater, post production, ENG)
– Strong understanding of audio engineering fundamentals and signal flow
– Professional, courteous approach while supporting a diverse and demanding client base
– Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to create training guides and operating procedures
– Proven ability to multitask and meet fast-approaching deadlines
– Demonstrated ability to identify and correct audio issues and mix to established loudness standards

**PREFERRED SKILLS**
– Broadcast experience, ideally in public media
– Experience mixing while taking live direction from editorial staff (broadcast, sound reinforcement, etc.)
– Advanced troubleshooting skills for computers, networks, or software development
– Experience with various IP and smartphone audio transmission methods
– Familiarity with AVID Pro Tools, iZotope products, and a variety of mixing consoles
– Experience using scheduling and audio routing automation tools and matrix routers
– Strength in field recording
– Expertise in music recording, mixing, and mastering
– Knowledge of audio for video, post-production, and sound design
– Teaching or training experience

**ADDITIONAL**
The onboarding process includes substantial training and the opportunity to shadow NPR’s audio engineering staff across a variety of shifts. A solid understanding of audio fundamentals and universal audio concepts is more important than expertise with any specific system.

**EDUCATION**
A degree in audio engineering or a related field is preferred.

**WORK LOCATION**
On-site in Washington, DC.

**JOB TYPE**
Full-time, non-exempt position.

**Salary Range**
The anticipated U.S. salary range is $85,073.31–$95,946.23, plus benefits. NPR’s displayed range reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to offer for this position across all U.S. locations.

**Benefits**
NPR provides access to comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents. Regular full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week can enroll in NPR’s benefits options, including health and wellness benefits, paid time off, and financial well-being. Eligible plans include medical, dental, vision, life/accidental death and dismemberment, long-term and short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings.

Does this sound like you? If so, we encourage you to apply.