Manager, UK Skynet Spectrum

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

In this role, you will be responsible for spectrum management, frequency coordination, and associated regulatory issues for the UK Skynet satellite fleet. You will also oversee the activities of the SDW frequency coordination team and lead the negotiation process at spectrum coordination meetings working with UK MOD.

A key feature of this position is direct working with and close collaboration with the UK MOD Spectrum and Satellite Filings leads including Defence Digital and Space Command.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULTS AREAS 

• Serve as Head of Spectrum & Frequency Coordination for the UK Skynet satellite fleet

• Lead coordination activities and manage the overall effort needed to achieve good coordination agreements
• Define and conduct the strategic planning of the SKYNET constellation frequency filings
• Establish objectives for the Frequency Coordination team.
• Lead as the chief negotiator at frequency coordination meetings.
• Advise senior MOD staff on all aspects of frequency filings.
• Assist and support the UK MOD in developing the UK government filing strategy.
• Support the Terminal Certification work and ensure that it is aligned to frequency coordination requirements, particularly with respect to small terminals.
• Moderate and approve technical proposals from the Frequency Coordination Analyst & Project Administrator and other team members.
• Manage ITU filings at each stage of the filing process and report coordination and filing status to all stakeholders.
• Ensure coordination and filing strategies are in place to support current and future requirements.
• Conduct analysis of new ITU filings, perform interference analysis and monitor the progress of existing ITU filings and inform Ofcom of the results.
• Ensure the SKYNET network is operated in accordance with agreements and relevant ITU / NATO regulations.
• Monitor the development of other MILSATCOM programmes and determine the impact on the SKYNET system.
• Monitor the ITU WRC, CCEB, CEPT, NATO and OFCOM initiatives which may affect SKYNET space operations.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with external agencies associated with frequency management.
• Maintain and update the Frequency Coordination documentation.
• Support NATO URGE process and ensure planners have up to date information concerning SKYNET UHF allocations.

• Identify and build cross-functional relationships to bolster the success of the overall SDW program team.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate university degree in a relevant engineering or technical field.
• Minimum 7-9 years of experience in satellite systems, including satellite design, operations, or engineering.

• UK citizenship and active UK Government Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.

• Must be a trained negotiator or have experience in negotiation. Demonstratable diplomatic skills and has an awareness of cultural differences and how to bridge them in discussions/negotiations.

• Understanding of how link budgets are produced and be able to analyse their impact.
• Insight and knowledge of the ITU rules and regulations.
• Familiarity with all relevant ITU Recommendations pertinent to the operation of satellites operating in the GSO band, particularly those operating in the government frequency bands.
• In depth knowledge in the use of ITU software provided to submit, progress, modify and complete the ITU filing process to ensure interference free operation of the UK MOD satellite networks
• Demonatrated leadership with the ability to collaborate effectively with peers and stakeholders. Maintain productive working relationships with project sponsors, key customers, and department members.

Your success in this role will look like:

• Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, information to diverse audiences, including translating subject matter terminology into clear business terms and program relevance.

• Advanced organisational skills and able to facilitate straightforward decisions from complex situations to keep teams and projects moving forward.
• Creatively solve problems while paying attention to details and results.
• Quickly earn the trust of sponsors and key stakeholders, setting direction and approach, mobilizing, and motivating teams, and executing with limited information and ambiguity
• Analyze requirements and designs to develop successful action plans
• Manage conflict resolution using strong negotiation ability, influence, and professionalism.

It would be nice if you had:

• Familiarity with the ITU Radio Regulations, with experience in applying Articles 9 and 11 of the Radio Regulations.