Engineer – Radio Spectrum

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 2017, ComReg released 350 MHz of radio spectrum in the 5G suitable 3.6 GHz band. More recently, Market Framework released part of the 26 GHz band for national block licenses and is currently developing further award programmes for both commercial and non-commercial use. 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.

You can find out more about the work of Market Framework here and here.

The role and responsibilities 

Reporting to Projects and Licensing Manager, Spectrum Operations, you would be responsible for:

• Working with ComReg’s IT team on enhancing and maintaining ComReg’s licensing systems and databases.
• Enhancing existing, and developing new, technical processes for the national and international coordination of radio frequency assignments for all licence types through the use of radio planning tools.
• Assessing applications for radio spectrum licences as required, and would include:
  • Actively engaging with applicants and licensees.
  • Conducting coverage/interference analysis.
  • Assessing terrain and field strength profiles.
  • Cell planning & site selection,
  • Assessing licensee compliance with relevant licence conditions, and
  • Setting technical parameters.
• Managing projects and providing expert technical support within the Spectrum Operations Unit and the Market Framework Division through individual contribution as well as working collaboratively and in cooperation with colleagues.
• Drafting analysis and recommendations for inclusion in ComReg’s consultation processes and internal analysis documents.
• Engaging with radio spectrum licensees, stakeholders, other administrations, and international bodies as required.

Qualifications and Experience required 

Essential 

· A diploma or degree in Engineering, Science or technology or equivalent experience.

· Experience and knowledge of a broad range of radiocommunication systems, technologies and radio frequency engineering across 5 MHz to 300 GHz.

· Experience and knowledge of radio planning tools such as ATOLL, ATDI, for example and geodata requirements for such tools.

· Ability to communicate complex information in a coherent manner to technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable 

• Knowledge of spectrum management techniques and processes.

• Experience in leading and/or supervising the delivery of projects.

• Specialist training in radio spectrum management.

• GIS, experience in gathering, mapping, analysing and presenting GIS data using ArcGis or equivalent.

• Experience with Power BI /Data analytics.

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:

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

Drafting Uses a logical structure to draft documents. Communicates complex and technical information clearly and concisely. Ensures key messages are understood and have the desired impact on the target audience.

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.

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.

If you think you meet the criteria and are interested in applying, we would love to hear from you.

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 2 days in the office (flexibility for more days may be required depending on business needs)

• 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

• Access to online gym

• 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.