Technical Director | Engineer

At Allstate, great things happen when our people work together to protect families and their belongings from life’s uncertainties. And for more than 90 years our innovative drive has kept us a step ahead of our customers’ evolving needs. From advocating for seat belts, air bags and graduated driving laws, to being an industry leader in pricing sophistication, telematics, and, more recently, device and identity protection. 

Job Description

The Technical Director | Engineer leads our Production Studio's broadcast operations from cutting-edge control rooms, directing sophisticated multi-camera productions for internal livestreams and select consumer-facing broadcasts. This strategic role uniquely combines broadcast-level technical precision with creative visual direction, serving as the crucial bridge between production vision and technical execution. While technical direction is the primary focus, this position also provides essential engineering leadership to ensure best-in-class studio operations and infrastructure while executing the visual identity of a leading global brand.

Beyond core technical direction responsibilities, this position champions production value through proactive technical contribution, innovation in visual storytelling, and implementation of emerging broadcast technologies including IP-based workflows and virtual production techniques. The role requires masterful coordination of technical elements under pressure while maintaining meticulous quality standards. As a passionate advocate for visual excellence, the successful candidate brings both technical precision and engineering insight, excelling at cross-functional collaboration to deliver premium content for a Fortune 100 brand. The Technical Director | Engineer reports to the Executive Producer, Production Studio. This is a hybrid role collaborating regularly on-site in Chicago, IL, with access to state-of-the-art control rooms and a cutting-edge production ecosystem. This role may also require some occasional domestic travel to execute remote live events.

Key responsibilities:

- Lead technical direction for live productions: 
    * Direct sophisticated multi-camera switching for select corporate live streams, including complex productions utilizing 6+ video sources, featuring dynamic graphics integration and multi-platform delivery 
    * Conduct pre-production meetings with business partners to ensure complete show rundowns and account for all required live elements 
    * Establish and direct compelling shot compositions and provide guidance to non-supervisory production contractors during broadcasts 
    * Implement brand-approved graphics and visual elements in real-time 
    * Operate advanced video switchers (TriCaster TC2 Elite, BlackMagic) with precision and creativity 
    * Coordinate technical cues and transitions under producer direction 
    * Troubleshoot technical issues in real time during live productions 
    * Partner with Technical Manager and Media Manager on control room operations and long-term technology strategy 

- Drive engineering excellence: 
    * Architect and optimize control room configurations and IP-based signal workflows 
    * Build custom ME layouts for TriCaster and BlackMagic switchers 
    * Program Elgato Stream Deck and Companion macros for equipment automation 
    * Troubleshoot production equipment to ensure proper functionality 
    * Provide guidance on equipment standards and next-generation technology upgrades 
    * Analyze and resolve complex technical challenges across production infrastructure 

- Advance production studio capabilities: 
    * Evaluate and implement emerging broadcast and post-production technologies 
    * Explore cloud-enabled production concepts and remote workflow innovations 
    * Develop ongoing standardized technical procedures and documentation 
    * Design scalable technical solutions for evolving remote production needs 
    * Contribute innovative approaches and implement next-generation technologies to enhance studio capabilities 

- Maximize production value: 
    * Elevate visual storytelling through sophisticated technical execution 
    * Deliver premium broadcast quality through optimized resources 
    * Implement creative solutions within technical constraints 
    * Lead technical planning for high-profile broadcasts 
    * Balance technical excellence with production efficiency 

- Champion cross-functional collaboration: 
    * Partner with producers, production and creative stakeholders 
    * Collaborate with studio teams on workflow documentation, equipment maintenance, and security compliance 
    * Guide non-technical stakeholders through broadcast possibilities and limitations 
    * Provide techn