Spectrum Engineer 2021

Overview

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. Join us and you will start a rewarding career in a vital and dynamic sector with opportunities to learn and develop your skills in a supportive environment.

The Role

Ofcom’s Spectrum Group has more than 100 engineers collaborating with colleagues to develop public policy for the communications sector. Our highly skilled group consists of a wide range of engineering 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 stakeholders and uses a range of skills. For example, you might be working in teams that:

• Use propagation and system modelling to assess coexistence scenarios between different wireless technologies. Providing technical evidence to inform our spectrum policy and management decisions.
• Formulate technical policy that understands and balances the interests of industry stakeholders, citizens and consumers.
• Assess the performance of mobile networks.
• Measure the real impact of new radio systems on the wireless environment and use these results to facilitate new options for spectrum sharing.

As a graduate engineer, you will embark on a two-year series of intensive job placements, moving regularly between projects and teams to ensure you are exposed to different technologies and challenges. You will work at our office in London and at our Radio Station in Hertfordshire near Baldock. One week you might be using modelling tools to assess mobile coverage; the next developing and testing new spectrum monitoring equipment. You will influence national and international spectrum policy by providing technical advice. On successful completion of the two year scheme you will make the transition into a permanent role in one of our teams in the Spectrum Group. 

Ofcom is accredited by the IET and you will have the support and mentoring to start your journey towards attaining professional registration. https://www.theiet.org/business/accreditation/downloads/synopsis-schemes-list.cfm

Candidate Profile

At Ofcom, we're looking for:

• An engineering discipline, science (with an emphasis on physics), mathematics or similar subject.
• Curious candidates with strong modelling skills and the ability to describe complex and technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ambitious and passionate individuals who live by our values of: Excellence, Collaboration, Agility, and Empowerment.

Benefits

Ofcom offers a number of benefits to employees including:

• Flexible benefits allowance
• Pension allowance
• 25 days holiday 
• Day off for your birthday
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Annual health check
• Income protection insurance

Application 

The application process consists of four stages:

• Initial application
• Online testing
• Video interview
• Assessment Centre

For this role, you will be based in the London offices.

As a Disability Confident employer, applicants who self-identify as disabled or with a long-term condition and who meet the minimum criteria for the role will be invited for an interview.

Please email us here if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or with any part of the recruitment process. These may include online tests, video interviews, short phone calls and an assessment centre.

For more information and guidance please visit: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/ask-for-adjustments-at-interview