Senior Spectrum Engineer

Please note this role will close at 00.01 on the 9th June so we advise making your application by midnight on the 8th June.

About Ofcom

As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We’re also taking on the challenge of making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.

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.

The purpose and scope of the role

This is an important role, helping the Systems and Engineering Policy team develop technical advice on wireless technology and intersystem coexistence; 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 policy work. The role requires creativity and insight to develop solutions to different scenarios across a wide range of radio communication technologies such as mobile, fixed and satellite. The role is an exciting mix of developing in-depth technical studies combined with wider engagement at policy level where your understanding of underlying systems will help ensure 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.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Use your specialist experience and knowledge to scope and undertake technical studies, investigating how new radio technologies 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.
• 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.
• Have the opportunity to represent Ofcom and the UK at national and international technical standards bodies.

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 trends. Experience of technical problem solving and creative thinking.

Behavioural attributes – You will have an ability to:

• 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.
• Executing Plans - 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. Ofcom has a clear mission: to make communications work for everyone. To be able to deliver on this, we want our organisation to reflect the diversity of background, experience, upbringing and thought that exists across the UK. We aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – no matter your social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability. 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, we champion flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs. We also warmly welcome applicants who are returning to the workforce after a break – for whatever reason. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application. Our recruitment processes prioritise accessibility and inclusivity. If you need information in an alternative format or have specific preferences, please contact our recruitment team at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or call 0330 912 1378. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria for advertised roles.