Senior Spectrum Engineer

Job Description:

Team Overview

Ofcom’s Spectrum Group manages the use of wireless spectrum throughout the UK to ensure that it is used efficiently. As the UK‘s communications regulator we make spectrum available for new and innovative services such as next-generation mobile or satellite systems whilst ensuring that existing solutions like Wi-Fi and radio can continue to operate. The Engineering team within Spectrum Group provides high-quality technical modelling, analysis and measurements to inform Ofcom’s spectrum policy and management decisions. Our work covers all aspects of Radio Frequency (RF) including coexistence, interoperability, coverage, propagation and spectrum monitoring. 

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Spectrum Engineer role at Ofcom is a challenging and exciting opportunity for hands-on testing and analysis of wireless solutions, providing a practical assessment of existing and emerging technologies which forms an essential complement to our modelling studies. The role requires creativity and insight to develop solutions  across a wide range of radio communication technologies such as mobile, fixed and satellite. You will contribute to development of related regulatory policy and work with colleagues throughout the organisation as well as stakeholders across the communications sector.

Working in a dynamic and flexible environment, your role will include:

• Design and implementation of test projects to contribute to Ofcom’s spectrum policy development, assessing system interoperability, compatibility, and interference;

• Working closely with experienced engineers in the development of new methods to test different wireless technologies; and executing RF measurements using test instruments such as signal generators, spectrum analysers, etc;

• Performing detailed analysis of results using software tools such as Python, MATLAB, SQL, etc;  producing high quality technical reports that provide the evidence to underpin our policy and spectrum management decisions

• Supporting and managing operational activities within the Baldock lab environment

• Liaising with policy colleagues and other stakeholders both internal and external throughout project life cycles to provide authoritative technical input and a test-based perspective;

• Opportunity to participate in field measurements across the country, and to work closely with colleagues in Assurance and Compliance roles;

• Opportunity to represent Ofcom and the UK in national and international technical standards bodies such as ITU and CEPT

Skills, Knowledge and experience

• Experience working within the wireless telecommunications industry or similar technical sector

• A blend of theoretical and practical engineering skills with an aptitude for problem solving and creative thinking

• Systems knowledge and/or practical experience in several of the following:

  • Radiowave propagation and interference mechanisms

  • Radio frequency systems design and development

  • Radio frequency measurements or surveys

• Wireless standards and emerging technologies

  • Complex system modelling using MATLAB, Python or RF/microwave specific simulation tools

  • Data analysis and numerical skills

• Interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to convey the context, results and conclusions of technical work to non-technical audiences

• Ability to manage tasks and projects to ensure timely delivery

Ofcom is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and you will have the support and mentoring to start your journey towards attaining professional registration.

This position is based at Ofcom’s Baldock Radio Station (Hertfordshire), and we support flexible working where in-lab work is not required. Please note that the geographical location of the Baldock site is rural and public transport is not available within the area. 

Qualifications

Our skilled Spectrum Engineering team brings together a range of technical experts from varied backgrounds and we benefit from the different perspectives they bring. The successful candidate is likely to be technically qualified with an engineering or similar degree or possess an equivalent level of experience.

Please provide a CV and a covering letter detailing your interest and how you feel you can contribute to the role.

Ofcom is a forward-thinking, inclusive employer and recognises the value of diversity to truly “make communications work for everyone”. Here at Ofcom, our vision is to ensure people are part of an environment when they can truly strive and be themselves, therefore we aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – irrespective of social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability. We are an organisation that strives to be truly representative of the whole of the UK and our aim is to be an employer of choice for everyone.

We champion flexible working and so wherever possible we support flexible working patterns including job shares.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meets the minimum selection criteria of the role as outlined in the job specification, if applicants would like to be considered under this scheme. We pride ourselves on ensuring all candidates are treated fairly throughout the application and selection process including making our process as accessible as possible. You can find more information on the scheme here. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/jobs/disability-confident-scheme

Should you require any adjustments to be made, please do contact us directly at ofcomresourcing@omnirms.com