Telecoms Radio Spectrum Engineer

ComReg Overview

We are the statutory body responsible for regulating electronic communications, postal and premium rate services in Ireland. We are a professional, multi-disciplinary organisation, operating in a dynamic telecommunications environment that is constantly evolving. Our Mission – at the heart of everything we do – is to facilitate the development of a competitive communications sector in Ireland that attracts investment, encourages innovation and empowers consumers to choose and use communications services with confidence.

Division overview 

Market Framework 

ComReg’s Market Framework Division is responsible for the regulation of Ireland’s radio spectrum. Radio spectrum is the medium over which all wireless communications (such as mobile phones, radars, radios, televisions, connected devices etc.) take place. It is a valuable national resource underpinning important economic, social and communications activities. In 2022, ComReg released radio spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands through the MBSA2 award, and will continue to develop further award programmes for both commercial and non-commercial use into the future. Market Framework also carries out key regulatory duties in respect of the broadcasting sector, manages Ireland’s national telephone numbering resource, where proposals are currently advancing to streamline non-geographic number use and to cater for burgeoning IoT needs, as well as providing technical communications network support to the broader ComReg organisation.

SPD Unit

Within Market Framework, the Spectrum Policy and Development Unit (SPD) is typically responsible for carrying out projects involving the management of Ireland’s radio spectrum for fixed/mobile wireless broadband (e.g. 4G, 5G) and broadcasting services. A key project recently completed in SPD is the Multi-Band Spectrum Award 2022 (MBSA2) of spectrum rights in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands.

The SPD unit consists of two collaborative areas and this role will reflect the responsibilities of, and report to, the Manager Spectrum Policy and Awards.

The role and responsibilities 

Reporting to the Manager Spectrum Policy and Awards, the role is to effectively manage projects related to the management of Ireland’s radio spectrum for fixed/mobile wireless broadband services through both individual and collaborative contribution by:

• Objectively analysing and evaluating information (both technical and non-technical) to determine the appropriate approach for progressing projects.

• Engaging and managing stakeholders such as consultants/external advisors, applicants to spectrum awards, licensees, Government Departments, other administrations and international bodies, as appropriate.

• Drafting documents (public and internal) and communication of complex information in a coherent manner to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Providing cross-unit and cross-division assistance as required.

• Participation in international spectrum working groups, conferences, and meetings, as appropriate.

• Promoting and facilitating innovation of wireless technologies in Ireland

Qualifications and Experience required 

Essential experience/knowledge 

• A relevant third-level honours degree from a science, technology, engineering or mathematical discipline.

• Relevant experience and knowledge of radiocommunication systems and radio frequency propagation.

• Proven track record of taking responsibility for delivering complex projects in a multi-disciplinary environment, including the scoping and delivery of such projects and the demonstration of resilience in keeping them on track.

• Excellent written communications skills with experience in drafting documents for publication.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to understand and express views.

Desirable 

• A relevant post-graduate qualification or accreditation.

• A project management qualification.

• Experience of engaging and managing consultants/external advisors to deliver projects.

• A proven ability to apply analytical techniques to problem-solving and effectively communicate this analysis to technical and non-technical audiences.

• A proven ability of establishing and following procedures in a systematic way.

• Experience in conducting radio frequency field measurements and knowledge of radiocommunication equipment.

Core Competencies & Skills for the Role 

In addition to your technical qualifications and experience, you will bring professional competencies and skills in the following core areas:

Ownership & Accountability Applies professional ethical standards. Takes responsibility for work activities and personal actions. Follows through on commitments. Acknowledges mistakes and learns from them. Maintains effective interactions with outsourced service providers.

Communicating & Influencing Communicates clearly, confidently and respectfully. Engages, persuades and convinces others to follow a particular course of action. Ensures all relevant parties are appropriately updated and notified.

Contextual Understanding Understands the regulatory, legislative, political, industrial, economic, societal and cultural environment within which ComReg operates. Uses this understanding to interact effectively. Considers the wider impact of actions and decisions.

Strategy & Leadership Creates a climate of cooperation where people strive to achieve common organisational goals. Takes a broad view. Anticipates future developments and applies this to operational situations.

Technical Knowledge & Continuous Improvement – Possesses a command over the technical and professional skills for a particular discipline. Keeps an open mind. Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement.

Analytical & Critical Thinking Objectively analyses and evaluates information in order to identify patterns between situations that are not obviously related. Develops and clearly articulates solutions to complex problems.

Our Package

We are offering an attractive package:

• Salary €61,610.02 – €85,085.35 * (Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance)

• Dublin city centre location – IFSC

• Blended working environment

• 28 days Annual Leave per year increases with service

• Fully paid Maternity, Paternity and Parent’s leave

• Income protection scheme

• Education assistance and Training Opportunities

• Professional membership fee pay

• Attractive pension scheme

• ComWell Wellbeing Programme

• Travel tax saver scheme, Access to Cycle to Work Scheme

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to a members run sports and social club

*(entry will be at the minimum point and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.)

Please Note (1)

We hope that our recruitment process supports applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We understand that having a diverse workforce contributes to making us stronger as an organisation. We are committed to positively supporting candidates with disabilities.

Please let us know if there is any reasonable accommodations we can make to enable you to take part in the process by creating the environment to give you the best opportunity to show your strengths and competencies. Rest assured that whatever information you disclose will only be used to enable us to provide the necessary support and will never have a bearing on the outcome of the process.

Please Note (2)

ComReg assesses all applicants fairly based on the requirements for the role. Due to the high volume of applications we receive for positions, we are unable to provide feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted for interview. If you are short-listed for interview, and are subsequently unsuccessful, you can request verbal feedback from your recruitment contact – if you are represented by an agency.