At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure reliable delivery of video and audio feeds for F1's global broadcast.
- Company: Join the iconic Formula 1 team, a leader in sports innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, free snacks, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and training in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment that values your ideas and contributions.
- Qualifications: Experience in broadcast or telecommunications is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you ready to make your mark in the world of Formula 1? At Formula 1, we are passionate about delivering the world’s greatest sports and entertainment spectacle leaving a positive legacy wherever we race. Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do ever since our first Grand Prix in 1950. Now, more than 75 years on, the sport remains a pioneer, developing technologies that have made a significant impact on society beyond the track.
Our team of skilled technical experts keeps Formula 1 moving, and as a Distribution Engineer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the reliable delivery of all video and audio feeds that power F1’s global broadcast and digital output. Based at the Formula 1 Media & Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, you will provide crucial operational support during race weekends - establishing, monitoring, and routing feeds essential to live production and worldwide distribution. Outside of event weekends, you will contribute to ongoing upgrades across our technology stack, improving reliability, performance, and scalability to meet the growing distribution demands of the sport.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage the switching of services during normal and emergency conditions to ensure all outputs remain on air.
- Liaise with third-party fibre, uplink and connectivity providers during fault investigations.
- Routinely check the health and performance of all contribution and distribution equipment.
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks or vulnerabilities across the distribution infrastructure.
- Develop a solid understanding of Formula 1’s broader technical ecosystem and how operational departments collaborate during race weekends.
- Create and maintain documentation, diagrams and operational procedures.
- Implement, or support the implementation of, upgrades, changes and improvements to distribution systems and infrastructure.
What Are We Looking For?
A technically strong, calm under pressure engineer who thrives in a live broadcast environment and is committed to delivering highly reliable services during the most demanding operational windows of the F1 season.
Experience
- Have experience working in a broadcast, media, or telecommunications environment.
- Ideally have experience within Live Sports or similarly high-pressure operational contexts.
Some desirable experience that you may bring to the role
- Experience working directly with high availability distribution or transmission systems.
- Familiarity with troubleshooting real-time broadcast chain issues across multiple vendors, technologies and signal types.
- Previous experience supporting projects involving system upgrades or infrastructure modernisation.
Knowledge & Skills
- In-depth knowledge of television distribution systems, platforms and standards.
- Working knowledge of HD & 3GSDI baseband video signals.
- Understanding of AES, MADI, Dolby E and AES67 audio signals.
- Good practical knowledge of TCP/IP networking, including multicast traffic.
- Experience with SMPTE 2110 standards.
- Working knowledge of h.264/h.265/HEVC encoding configuration.
- Understanding of MPEG2 Transport Streams and TR101290 analysis.
- Hands-on experience with control/monitoring systems such as Cerebrum, TAG or Data-miner.
- Ability to operate signal test and analysis equipment for both baseband and transport stream workflows.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to remain focused and effective in high-pressure, time-critical environments.
Qualifications
Not essential to be successful in the role but you may also have the following qualifications:
- Certifications related to broadcast engineering, IT networking, or media transport (e.g., SMPTE, Cisco, or equivalent).
- Vendor-specific training linked to encoding, routing, monitoring, or IP-based media workflows.
Personal Qualities
In this role it is essential that you are:
- Calm and composed when working under pressure.
- Methodical, detail-oriented and proactive in identifying potential issues before they impact service.
- Adaptable, with the ability to switch focus quickly during live operational environments.
- A clear communicator who builds trust with colleagues and external partners.
- Willing to work unsociable hours, including weekends, when supporting live race events.
Why join the force behind the sport?
Joining F1 means becoming part of a team that values innovation, collaboration and personal growth. We offer a dynamic work environment where ideas are heard, and employee contributions truly make an impact. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people to play their role in accelerating the future of the sport. As a member of the F1 team, you will be able to access our amazing benefits:
- Private Healthcare scheme
- Dental Care
- 4 x Grand Prix Paddock passes per season
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and other family planning policies
- A free staff shuttle service running to and from surrounding train stations near to Biggin Hill
- Free healthy snacks in our offices
- Subsidised canteen in Biggin Hill, serving breakfast and lunch
- 25 days annual leave and 8 Bank Holiday days, plus a Christmas period closure
- Opportunities to develop and request training for your role via our in-house Learning and Development team
- Discount on F1 merchandise
- Discount at F1’s experiences including F1 Arcade and F1 Drive
- Perkbox benefit portal and more
Division: Broadcast and Media
Distribution Engineer in Biggin Hill employer: Formula One
Formula One in Biggin Hill is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within its Digital Technology team. Employees benefit from comprehensive perks such as private healthcare, free snacks, and generous annual leave, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a fast-paced, exciting environment at the forefront of digital advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Distribution Engineer in Biggin Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up social media platforms like LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job at Formula 1.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or examples of your work, don’t be shy about sharing them. Whether it’s a project you’ve worked on or a problem you’ve solved, showcasing your expertise can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview like it’s the final lap! Research the company, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your calmness under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the F1 team. So, get that application in and let’s make some magic happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Distribution Engineer in Biggin Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for F1:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Formula 1 shine through! We want to see how your love for the sport aligns with our mission to deliver the best in sports and entertainment.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in broadcast, media, or telecommunications. We’re looking for those who thrive under pressure, so share specific examples of how you've handled high-stakes situations in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your skills and experiences, especially when discussing technical knowledge. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Formula One
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of television distribution systems and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss HD & 3GSDI signals or TCP/IP networking confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you can handle the technical demands of the role.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the high-pressure environment of live sports broadcasting, practice staying composed while discussing scenarios where you had to troubleshoot issues quickly. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and maintain focus when things get hectic.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain complex technical issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication skills and ensure you can convey your expertise effectively.
✨Show Your Passion for F1
Research Formula 1’s history, innovations, and current technologies. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the sport and its technological advancements can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their mission to deliver a world-class spectacle and how you can contribute to their legacy.
