About OPB
OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures; business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking an experienced audio professional who can mix sound and support audio needs across a variety of platforms in a fast-paced, collaborative, high volume (no pun intended) environment. Our ideal candidate will stay cool under pressure and seamlessly contribute to the wide range of visual and audio content that OPB produces.
Audio Engineers have the technical skills to make sounds and music fit effortlessly into video or audio storytelling, and use their own sonic creativity to help give stories a new level of clarity and understanding.
Position Details
At OPB, Audio Engineers collaborate with every content team, and therefore need to have a firm grasp on most forms of production. Everything from technical directing and operating a sound board, engineering live broadcasts, mixing mics and sound for radio, mixing pre-existing sounds for podcasts, or even going out into the field with video producers to record sound for one of our television or digital shows. Individuals who have successfully worked in all or some of these disciplines in the past would be ideal for this role.
Candidates with experience working collaboratively with a broad spectrum of teams and personalities will be vital for this role. Having great communication and people skills are as critical for Audio Engineers as technical skills are.
Duties for this role will be performed in studio settings and may require lifting equipment (25 or more lbs.), working in confined studio spaces for lengthy periods of time. This position is required to deal with stressful situations while working with a variety of people, projects and priorities.
As with all other roles, Audio Engineers will keep OPB’s values central to their work.
Responsibilities
25% - Serve as fill-in technical director for Radio’s daily Think Out Loud broadcast, Politics Now podcast & The Evergreen podcast
Work closely with the show producer to prepare and execute all sound elements of the daily radio show
Ensure the equipment is ready for the broadcast
During the broadcast, operate the audio board, record the program and edit for podcast
Ensure compliance with FCC regulations
Troubleshoots any audio problems
Set up/tear down equipment during remote broadcasts
25% - Mix, master and score podcasts and/or videos.
25% - Serve as technical director for live OPB events such as OPB or KMHD concerts, member events, or live podcast events
25% - Other duties as assigned, including serving as field audio engineer on video shoots, or as troubleshooting and assisting reporters with equipment and training
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated ability with Audition and Pro Tools digital audio editing software.
Demonstrated ability to set up and operate audio equipment in studio or field environments and remote broadcast systems.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to diagnose and resolve technical problems quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruptions to operations.
Ability to work constructively with team members
Demonstrated ability to run a demanding live broadcast event
Enthusiasm for and understanding of the mission of OPB and for the role of public media in a changing media environment.
Preferred Qualifications
3 years of experience engineering in a live sound environment and/or in a broadcast environment.
2 years of experience as a field sound engineer
Advanced dialog editing skills.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in related field.
Experience editing and mixing long-format podcasts
Experience in live broadcast or streaming video
Additional Information
This position reports to the Sound Supervisor, is union represented, and benefits eligible.
The hiring range for this role is between $27-$30/hr, depending on qualifications.
For the safety of our employees, the contractors/vendors we work with, and the public we serve, OPB has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy, and all employees are required to show proof of vaccination.
How to Apply
For application instructions, please visit OPB's careers page. You will be asked to create an account, upload your resume, cover letter (and other application materials such as a portfolio or links to work), and answer a few position related questions. Once you click “submit” you cannot make changes to your application.
Your application materials are due by 8:59PM Pacific Time on August 15th, 2025.
OPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.