SDN System Administrator

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

Fox News Media

FOX News Media operates the FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio, FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer digital streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News International and the newly announced platform FOX Weather. Currently the number one network in all of cable, FNC has also been the most watched television news channel for 20 consecutive years, while FBN currently ranks among the top business channels on cable. Owned by FOX Corporation, FOX News Media reaches 200 million people each month.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The SDN Systems Administrator will be responsible for the configuration, maintenance, and day-to-day operation of the IP-based media network infrastructure within our state-of-the-art SMPTE ST 2110 broadcast facility. This critical role involves managing the Software Defined Networking (SDN) layer, specifically focusing on the integration and orchestration between the Lawo VSM/HOME routing control platform and the underlying Arista networking hardware. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in IP workflows, broadcast media transport (ST 2110), and SDN principles.

A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

SDN Administration

• Administration of the Lawo VSM and HOME platforms, serving as the 2110 orchestration layer.

• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the integration points between the Lawo orchestration the Arista network fabric and 3rd party devices, ensuring seamless multicast stream management and resource allocation.

• Maintain accurate documentation of configurations, IP addressing, and routing tables.

• Work with broadcast engineering and network teams to translate operational requirements (e.g., source/destination mapping) into network control policies.

ST 2110 and Broadcast Systems

• Ensure compliance with SMPTE ST 2110-10/20/30/40 standards across all media devices and the network infrastructure.

• Monitor network performance and media stream health using relevant tools (e.g., wireshark, network analyzers, NMOS IS-04/05 tools).

• Troubleshoot complex issues involving IP multicast, PTP synchronization, and Lawo control layer errors impacting on-air services.

• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams on system upgrades, patches, and feature deployments.

Operations and Support

• Provide tier 3 support for all SDN-related issues within the 24/7 broadcast environment.

• Develop and implement proactive monitoring and alerting systems for network and Lawo platform health.

• Participate in the planning and execution of system expansion and disaster recovery strategies.

• Automate routine configuration and maintenance tasks using scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible) where applicable.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or equivalent practical experience.

• 3+ years of experience administering large-scale IP networks, preferably in a mission-critical or broadcast environment.

• Proven hands-on experience with Arista EOS and COTS networking hardware.

• Strong working knowledge of SMPTE ST 2110 and IP-based broadcast infrastructure.

• Experience with Lawo VSM and/or Lawo HOME or similar broadcast control/SDN platforms.

• Prior experience in a 24/7 broadcast or live production facility.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex, multi-system issues under pressure.

• Strong communication skills, capable of translating technical issues for non-technical stakeholders.

• Detail-oriented and committed to maintaining high standards of documentation and operational procedure.