Spectrum Engineer Professional Placement

Job Description

Spectrum Engineer - Professional PlacementBaldock£Competitive Team OverviewOfcom is at the cutting edge of emerging communications, from small satellites and 5G, to drones and 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 the compatibility of various wireless technologies.Purpose of the RoleOfcom’s Spectrum Group has more than 100 engineers working together to develop public policy for the communications sector. Our 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.Our work involves many industry stakeholders and uses a range of skills. As a professional placement student embedded within our Engineering team, 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 to undertake RF measurements using test instruments such as signal generators, spectrum analysers etc.- Analysing test result data using software tools (e.g. Python, MATLAB, SQL) to underpin the development of technical policy serving the interests of industry stakeholders, citizens and consumers- Measuring the impact of emerging wireless systems such as 5G New Radio in a real-world environment and using these results to inform our spectrum policy decisions on coexistence between different wireless technologies- Assisting in asset management and the calibration of test equipment- Liaising with internal and external stakeholders throughout project lifecyclesYou will embark on a 12-month journey with a series of exciting and challenging projects in a dynamic and flexible environment. You will be based at our Radio Station in Hertfordshire near Baldock, but there will be opportunities to interact with colleagues based at our headquarters in London and at other regional offices. One week you might be using modelling tools to assess mobile coverage; the next developing and testing new spectrum monitoring equipment. Ofcom is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and you will have the support and mentoring to start your journey towards attaining professional registration.Candidate ProfileWe are looking for:- Strong interpersonal skills to work in a diverse and dynamic team environment- A desire to learn and be proactive in the learning- An engineering discipline, science (with an emphasis on physics), mathematics or similar subject- The ability to relate technical work to wider policy issues- 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- 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 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. ApplicationTo apply for the role, you need to be eligible to work in the UK.Please select the button shown to upload your CV and a covering letter (up to 500 words) telling us why you are interested in and suitable for this post. Instead of a covering letter, you can send us a short video (up to two minutes).This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Other organisations may call this role Spectrum Engineering Placement, Engineering Placement, Engineering Student Placement, Trainee Spectrum Engineer, or Trainee Engineer.