Spectrum Engineer

Job Description

Spectrum EngineerBaldock £Competitive Full or Part Time - Fixed Term (including flexible working arrangements)Team OverviewOfcom exists to make communications work for everyone. We regulate the TV, radio and video-on-demand sectors, fixed and mobile telecoms, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate. We are also helping to inform the ongoing debate about the future of online regulation.Our culture is shaped by four corporate values: excellence, agility, collaboration and empowerment.Ofcom is at the cutting edge of emerging communications from small satellites to 5G, from drones to the internet of things. We play a crucial role in the lives of people in the UK to make communications work for everyone. The Spectrum Engineering Group within Ofcom is central to shaping public policy and making sure that new technologies can share the airwaves with the communications that we all rely on today. As part of the Spectrum Engineering Group, the Measurements and Systems Development Team based at Baldock Radio Station (Hertfordshire) is tasked to carry out practical coexistence studies assessing compatibility of various wireless technologies.Requirements of the RoleOur skilled Engineering group consists of a wide range of experts including those solving radio interference issues in the field, specialists from academia and industry, as well as regulatory specialists who contribute to international technical standards bodies.The Measurement and Systems Development Team undertakes project work covering a wide range of radio communication systems and technologies ranging from low-frequency radio, mmWave fixed link services, to mobile and satellite communications. Working in a dynamic and flexible environment, you will be expected to participate in various challenging and exciting hands-on technical activities, including:- Working closely with and being trained by experienced engineers in the development of new methods to test different emerging wireless technologies- Following established methodology/procedures to execute RF measurements using test instruments such as signal generators, spectrum analysers etc.- Reviewing and analysing test result data using software tools such as Python, MATLAB, SQL etc.- Assisting in asset management and co-ordinating the outsourced calibration of test equipment- Liaising with internal and external stakeholders throughout project life cycles- Potential opportunity to participate in field measurements across the countryOfcom is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and you will have the support and mentoring to start your journey towards attaining a professional registration. Skills, knowledge and experienceWe are looking for:- Strong interpersonal skills to work in a diverse and dynamic team environment- A desire to learn and be proactive in your learning- A background in engineering, science (with an emphasis on physics), mathematics or a similar subject- A blend of theoretical and practical engineering skills with an aptitude for problem solving and creative thinking- The ability to relate technical work to wider policy issues associated with spectrum management- Experience of working in a technical laboratory and/or in an RF testing environment- Good verbal and written communication skills to explain technical information to a non-technical audience- Knowledge of contemporary and emerging wireless technologies (e.g. LTE, 5G NR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DVB-T/T2, DAB, fixed links, etc.) would be an advantage- Knowledge of quality assurance methods and dataset analysis would be desirable- Ambitious and passionate individuals who live by our values of excellence, collaboration, agility and empowermentDiversity and InclusionOfcom is a forward-thinking, inclusive employer and recognises the value of diversity to truly "make communications work for everyone". We welcome applications from suitably qualified applicants whatever their background, especially women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background candidates as they are currently under-represented in our workforce. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.We have an agile working model allowing us to have a location-neutral approach to filling our roles. We also support flexible ways of working, wherever possible. Our colleagues are free to move around all our offices, enabling them to work alongside and collaborate with other teams and groups. These initiatives help Ofcom colleagues to work flexibly in way that supports them. To apply for the role of Spectrum Engineer, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Other organisations may call this role RF Engineer, Radio Frequency Engineer, Senior RF Technician, Radio Spectrum Engineer, RF Test Engineer, or Engineer.