Spectrum Engineering Manager

Please note this role will close at 00.01 on the 17th June so we advise making your application by midnight on the 16th June.

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 Systems and Engineering Policy team, part of the Spectrum Group. We provide high-quality technical modelling, advice and measurements to inform Ofcom’s spectrum policy and management decisions and subsequent implementation. We represent the UK in international groups to influence the future of spectrum management and technology. Our skilled Engineering team includes a wide range of technical experts from varied backgrounds, and we benefit from the different perspectives they bring.

Purpose of the Role

This is an important role, helping the Systems and Engineering Policy team analyse current and future use of the wireless spectrum; interpret what this means for UK spectrum management; and recommend how Ofcom can best balance the interests of stakeholders and consumers through its measurement and policy work. The role requires creativity and insight to develop measurement solutions to understand how radio communication technologies such as mobile, fixed and satellite operate in different scenarios.

The role offers an exciting mix of RF lab measurements, field trials and associated data analysis, combined with wider engagement with policy teams, where your understanding of underlying systems will help support a solid basis for new and existing wireless services. You will work with colleagues across the organisation as well as stakeholders from the communications industry and international forums.

This role is based at our Baldock Radio Station, and while we support hybrid working in line with our corporate policy the role is predominately laboratory and field based which would involve some travel, mainly in the UK.

Your key responsibilities

You will:

• use your specialist RF measurement experience to scope, design and undertake complex RF lab and field measurements and associated data analysis to provide solid evidence which underpins our spectrum management work in coexistence, interoperability, coverage, propagation, and spectrum monitoring.
• help to develop our measurement capabilities, keeping abreast of new technology, test equipment and measurement methods, mentoring more junior colleagues in the process.
• organise and aid in the maintenance and installation of fixed and mobile monitoring equipment and antenna systems.
• contribute to the development of related spectrum policy.
• 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, asset management, equipment calibration and project governance of your projects.
• act as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• have the opportunity to support Ofcom and the UK at national and international technical standards bodies

The skills, knowledge and experience you will need for success

Technical knowledge and experience

• Practical RF technical measurement expertise in planning and undertaking radio equipment test; complex monitoring campaigns; field trials; and using RF measurement equipment
• Practical experience of installation and maintenance of radio systems. With some experience of small-scale fabrication.
• Numerical skills, with the ability to understand varied datasets and extract key trends
• Experience of technical problem solving and creative thinking

Behavioural attributes

• Scanning Horizons and Building Solutions - 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.
• Project Management - organise 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.

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.