Senior Spectrum Engineer - Space

Please note this role will close at 00.01 on the 22nd May so we advise making your application by midnight on the 21st May.

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day. We make sure people get the best from their broadband, home phone and mobile services, as well as keeping an eye on TV and radio.

Our culture is clear – we live by our values: Empowerment; Excellence; Collaboration; Agility and Respect. These define how we work to deliver our purpose, now and in the future. The behaviours which support these values set the path for a fully inclusive and innovative culture at Ofcom.

We focus not only on what we do, but how we do it. We pride ourselves on being an organisation of people who genuinely care about helping others.

About the team you’ll be part of

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 role sits within the Spectrum Management and Authorisation team, part of the Spectrum Group. We design and maintain authorisations to enable different wireless services to use and share spectrum efficiently. We understand trends and enable wireless innovation in a wide range of industries such as aerospace (including drones), business radio, emergency services, fixed links, home broadband, maritime services, mobile communications, satellites, science, and utilities, to name a few. We also represent the UK in international groups to influence the future of spectrum management and manage satellite filings to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) on behalf of the UK. Our skilled team includes a wide range of technical and policy experts, generalists and specialists from varied backgrounds who bring in different perspectives.

The purpose and scope of the role

There is an increasing demand for space and satellite spectrum policy to meet the needs of UK developments in this area and the large number of space related negotiations leading up to the to 2027 ITU World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC). This is an important role, providing technical input to help the Spectrum Management and Authorisation team develop space-related spectrum policy and authorisations. You will contribute technical advice on space technology and intersystem coexistence, analyse current and future use of spectrum, interpret what this means for UK spectrum management, and recommend how Ofcom can best balance the interests of stakeholders and consumers through its policy work. The role requires creativity and insight to develop solutions to different scenarios.

The role is an exciting mix of developing in-depth technical studies combined with wider engagement at policy level within Ofcom and internationally, where your understanding of underlying systems will help ensure a solid basis for new and existing space services. You will work with colleagues across the organisation as well as stakeholders from the space and satellite industry at international forums.

Your Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Use your specialist experience and knowledge to scope and undertake technical studies of satellite networks, investigating how new satellite technologies and networks can share radio spectrum with existing systems. This might include complex systems simulations or link budget analyses.
• Contribute to the development of related spectrum policy through developing appropriate technical criteria, models and procedures.
• Prepare oral and written reports, meeting inputs and give presentations, often at a senior level.
• Translate complex topics for non-technical audiences.
• Manage the necessary quality assurance and project governance of your projects.
• Act as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent Ofcom and the UK at national and international groups that are considering space and satellite related issues, leading on one or more WRC agenda items.

The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success.

Technical knowledge and experience

• Wireless and satellite communications systems knowledge in areas such as complex modelling; wireless standards and technologies; radio propagation; interference mechanisms; interoperability; or electromagnetic compatibility.
• Strong numerical and mathematical modelling skills, with the ability to understand varied datasets and extract key trend
• Experience of technical problem solving and creative thinking.

Behavioural attributes

• Scanning Horizons - Understand the bigger picture, identify and solve complex issues, using evidence-based methods to develop well-founded solutions.
• Articulating Ideas - Express the context, results and conclusions of technical work, whether written or orally, in a clear and concise manner, ensuring messages are understood by everyone.
• Empowering Development - Organise and lead tasks or projects, manage your own and other engineering colleagues’ input, setting clear goals and keeping an eye on progress to ensure timely delivery.
• Forming Relationships - Build and nurture positive relationships with people inside and outside the organisation.

Qualifications and Accreditations

• You will have an engineering or other technical, scientific or numerical degree or possess an equivalent level of experience.

Inclusivity Statement

At Ofcom we prioritise inclusive and diverse recruitment in order to truly reflect the society we represent.

Where positions are listed as full time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares and other flexible working options from day one of employment. We warmly welcome applications from candidate returning to work after a break – for whatever reason.

As a disability confident employer, we offer interviews to any disabled applicant who meet essential criteria for advertised roles. Learn more about the scheme here.

If you need information in an alternative format or have specific preferences, please contact our recruitment team at [email protected] or call 0330 912 1378.