Job Description

The Freelancer Production Engineer collaborates closely with the Production Engineer Supervisor to deliver high-quality reactive support and proactive maintenance for all Production Systems. In this position, the freelancer Engineer will be responsible for carrying out a range of tasks related to establishing production facilities in Abu Dhabi and managing various contractual arrangements supported by IMI. The role involves close collaboration with partner companies across the UAE to ensure all activities are executed to the highest professional and technical standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Demonstrates strong operational skills across a wide range of remote productions and social platform streaming technologies, as well as production equipment. This includes bonding equipment, video encoding systems, ENG/Studio cameras and support gear, A/V routers and infrastructure, video switchers, audio mixers, media decks, NLE editing systems, and storage devices.

2. Expert in signal processing and transcoding devices, production communications (intercom and IFB), and computer systems with IT network architecture, ensuring seamless integration and high-quality production workflows.

3. Coordinate properly with the team on the field to ensure that all systems are fully operational before tuning to recorded or live coverage.

4. Provide 24/7 re‐active support to the systems and services on the field.

5. Conduct regular tests for production equipment, documenting full details of each equipment work conditions, serial number and test date , highlighting any issue or malfunction professionally by communicating with line manager and technical support.

6. Conduct in-depth root cause analysis and fault finding at the earliest possible opportunity, ensure that all issues are logged and reported to high standards.

7. Direct multiple cameras in the studio, field and overseas for the full production from start to finish.

8. Provide operational and technical support on daily basis for contracted outdoor projects.

9. Attend regular meetings to high-light technical and logistical requirements for future events and breaking news stories.

Key Skills, Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Electronics, or Communications Engineering.

• 5 years’ Experience in broadcast and field production on IP streaming.

• Fluency in Arabic + Good in English (speaking & writing).

• Resourceful for any new set up on for Studio and un the field.

• Full understanding of software vision mixers such as Tricaster, VMix and OBS.

• Full understanding of Podcast setups, techniques, and recordings.

• Full understanding of Power calculations in field, setting up Power distribution and UPS systems.

• Knowledge of video wall and video projection systems will be a plus.

• Knowledge of Video servers and Archive systems will be a plus.

• Knowledge of operating cameras in interview Videography will be a plus.

• Knowledge of setting lights for interview Videography will be a plus.

• Knowledge of operating cameras for photography sessions will be a plus.

• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations frequently encountered in field remote environments.

• Excellent customer service and communication skills (verbal, written) required.

• Responsible for supporting and assisting before and after high-profile guest interviews to ensure alignment and trust.

• Demonstrated competency in a wide variety of technology and business contexts, including analysing and solving complex technical problems.

• Ability to work independently and autonomously in a team-based environment.

• Capable of setting up Communications for live and recording studio setup.

• Networking capabilities: including knowledge of network configurations and support, Video/Audio networking protocols such as NDI/Dante based systems and set up.

• Understanding ST2110 standard and related systems will be a plus.

• Proficient with both Windows and MAC.

• Good knowledge of Visio, Excel, and PowerPoint. Auto CAD experience would be beneficial.

• Understanding of editing suite set ups.

• Capable of working for long hours.

• The ability to work under pressure and in teamwork environment.

• Analytical and commercial thinker.

• Detail oriented and organized with the flexibility to manage multiple priorities effectively.