Freelance Broadcast Engineer / EIC – Live Sports & Immersive Production

AbelCineDetroit, MichiganOn-siteContractListed 7 hours ago

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About this role

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 partner with clients to provide experienced technical professionals for live events, broadcast productions, and specialized production workflows across the country. We are expanding our roster of experienced Freelance Broadcast Engineers and Engineers-in-Charge (EICs) to support our client, COSM, on live sporting events and immersive production projects nationwide.

COSM specializes in immersive sports and entertainment experiences, using advanced camera systems and production technology to capture and deliver live events in unique viewing formats. Its productions include professional and collegiate sporting events across basketball, football, combat sports, and more.

We're looking for technically skilled broadcast professionals interested in learning Cosm's specialized production systems and joining a roster of trained 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 RED cameras and wide-angle lens configurations used for immersive capture.
- 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.
- Troubleshoot video, fiber, cabling, connectivity, and other technical issues 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 Cosm's 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.
- Familiarity with camera systems, fiber infrastructure, cabling, and video transmission workflows.
- Experience working in live production environments where technical issues must be resolved quickly.
- 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 with flypacks, remote production trucks, or portable broadcast systems.
- Knowledge of RED camera systems, specialty camera configurations, or immersive/VR production.
- Familiarity with IP-based video transport, 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 Cosm's 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.