1097 News Innovation Fellow – Mobile Broadcast Systems Engineer
Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid – Field & Workshop)
Type: Part-Time / Contract / Flexible Hours
Compensation: $40–$75 per hour (DOE)
Help Build the Future of Independent Journalism
1097 News is developing an advanced mobile broadcasting platform capable of delivering live coverage from breaking news, wildfires, protests, natural disasters, and other major events.
We're looking for an engineer, advanced engineering student, or exceptional self-taught builder who wants to help create technology that doesn't exist off the shelf.
This isn't a typical IT position.
You'll help design, build, test, and improve a professional mobile news platform that combines multiple internet connections, satellite communications, advanced cameras, battery systems, and live video streaming into one reliable field-ready system.
You'll Work With
- Starlink
- Bonded cellular networking
- 5G communications
- Peplink networking equipment
- Live video streaming
- 360° cameras
- Battery power systems
- Mobile command backpacks
- Motorcycle-mounted equipment
- Custom electronics
- AI tools for journalism
What You'll Do
- Build and improve mobile broadcasting systems
- Configure networking equipment
- Integrate Starlink and multi-carrier cellular systems
- Test equipment in real-world environments
- Troubleshoot technical problems during deployments
- Research emerging technologies
- Recommend new hardware and software
- Help develop the next generation of mobile journalism tools
Who We're Looking For
You don't need to know everything.
We're looking for someone who loves learning, enjoys solving difficult problems, and gets excited about building things.
You might have experience with:
- Networking
- Electronics
- Raspberry Pi
- Linux
- Windows
- Drones
- Robotics
- Live streaming
- Cameras
- Video production
- Wireless communications
- Amateur (ham) radio
- Custom vehicles
- Home labs
- Gaming PC builds
If you've built something you're proud of, we want to hear about it.
Why This Is Different
You'll work directly with the founder of 1097 News to help build a technology platform designed for real-world breaking news coverage.
Your ideas will matter.
You'll have the freedom to experiment, solve challenging engineering problems, and see your work used in the field.
For the right person, this can grow into a long-term leadership role helping shape the technology behind 1097 News.
To Apply
Please send:
- Your résumé
- A short description of the coolest technical project you've ever built
- Photos, videos, GitHub links, YouTube channel, portfolio, or anything else that shows your work (if available)
- A few sentences explaining why this opportunity interests you
Curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving ability are valued as highly as formal experience.
Pay: $40.00 - $70.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
