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Job Title: Contract Encoding Engineer – Live Event Broadcast
Type: W-2 Contract
Duration: ~6 weeks (May 4 – June 12, 2026)
Location: Cupertino, CA (Onsite Required)
Schedule: Weeks 1–4: ~10-hour days (business hours)
Weeks 5–6: Extended days up to 14 hours, including evenings/weekends
Overview:
We are seeking a highly experienced Encoding Engineer to support a high-profile, global live broadcast event. This is a fast-paced, high-visibility environment delivering to millions of concurrent viewers, requiring precision, reliability, and real-time problem solving. This is a short-term, execution-focused engagement ideal for someone who has operated in large-scale live streaming environments and can contribute immediately with minimal ramp-up.
Responsibilities:
- Pre-Event (Weeks 1–5):Review transmission workflows and identify risks or gaps
- Validate redundancy, failover, and backup systems
- Test and optimize encoding configurations
- Develop run-of-show documentation and checklists
- Participate in platform testing and pre-event rehearsals
- Support content QC across transmission pipelines
- During Event (Weeks 5–6):Operate HLS encoders for testing, rehearsals, and live broadcast
- Monitor full signal path from encoder to CDN delivery
- Validate stream quality and performance in real time
- Execute failover procedures and troubleshoot live issues
- Act as point of contact for CDN coordination
- Maintain detailed live incident logs
- Post-Event (Week 6):Deliver technical debrief and documentation
- Archive media and restore systems
- Perform post-event corrections (re-encodes, content updates)
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in live streaming / broadcast operations at scale (>5M concurrent viewers)
- Deep expertise in HLS (manifest manipulation, ABR optimization, multi-variant playlists)
- Hands-on experience with AWS Elemental encoding systems (on-prem required)
- Strong understanding of CDN behavior, packaging, caching, and ingest workflows
- Experience with real-time monitoring systems (QoE metrics, telemetry, alerting)
- Proven track record of failover execution and redundancy planning
- Experience in live incident management during high-pressure broadcasts
- Ability to produce run-of-show docs and post-event reports
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of subtitle formats (WebVTT, TTML, CEA-608/708)
- Familiarity with Dolby Atmos or multi-channel audio formats
- Experience working with global teams across time zones
What We’re Looking For:
- Direct experience supporting large-scale live broadcast events
- Ability to operate independently in high-pressure environments
- Strong troubleshooting instincts with real-time decision making
- Proven history of delivering successful live events at scale
- Additional NotesThis is a high-intensity engagement with extended hours during event week
- Candidates must be available onsite and fully committed for the duration