Principal Spectrum Engineer - Space

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Closing Date: 06/06/2025

About the Team

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.

Purpose 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 2027 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC). This role will help shape future UK and international regulations relating to satellite and space access to spectrum by:

• Leading our international engagement on space and satellite spectrum regulations, including our preparations for WRC-27 on these issues.
• Presenting complex technical information, negotiating with colleagues from around the world and influencing in international fora to deliver optimal outcomes for the UK on space and satellite related issues.
• Providing senior technical input to Spectrum Group's work to develop space-related spectrum policy and authorisations.
• Providing advice on space technology and intersystem coexistence, analysing current and future use of spectrum and taking into account commercial considerations to recommend how Ofcom can best balance the interests of stakeholders and consumers through its policy work.

Your key responsibilities

You will:

• Work with the International Spectrum Director to set strategic direction on international space and satellite issues and effectively engage with industry stakeholders and international counterparts.
• Lead Ofcom/UK representation at relevant national and international (ITU, CEPT) groups.
• Provide senior technical input to Spectrum Group's work to develop space-related spectrum policy and authorisations.
• Lead Ofcom's technical analysis relating to satellite networks to support the development of spectrum policy, using your specialist experience and knowledge to scope and undertake technical studies involving satellite networks or other space-based operations, and support a team of others to do so through appropriate technical criteria, models and procedures.
• Effectively communicate technical findings and implications through oral and written reports, meeting inputs and giving presentations at a senior level, including for non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the leadership of the Spectrum Management and Authorisation team, including being an effective line manager to a team of 4-5 engineers.

The skills, knowledge and experience you will need for success

Technical knowledge and experience

• Extensive 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

• Scanning Horizons - Understand the bigger picture, identify and solve complex issues, using evidence-based methods to develop well-founded solutions.
• Building Solutions - Identify and solve complex issues, using evidence-based methods to gather insights and develop well-founded solutions based on thorough analysis.
• Channelling Influence - Guide opinions and decisions with compelling communication and persuasion techniques, looking to get everyone on the same game plan.
• Forming Relationships - Build and nurture positive relationships with people inside and outside the organisation.
• Empowering Development - Organise tasks and set clear goals, managing resources wisely, while keeping an eye on progress. Support the growth and development of others' skills and strengths, through empowerment and mentorship.

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. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria for advertised roles.