Radio Communications Lead

Maritime and Coastguard Agency; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension 28.97% employer

25 days annual leave (+1 per year)

8 Bank Holidays + Privilege Day

Staff discount portal

Career development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working

Job summary

Maritime and Coastguard Agency is seeking a Radio Communications Lead to develop and implement radio regulations for UK vessels. You will lead and contribute to regulatory work, engage with international and UK stakeholders, and promote best practice across the sector.

The role offers flexible working within a permanent contract, with strong career development opportunities and access to professional qualifications funded by the department.

Qualifications

• Degree or higher diploma in a relevant science/engineering subject.
• Experience in a field related to radio communications.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead development, negotiation and management of UK merchant ship regulatory objectives.
• Represent MCA/UK at meetings and working groups, drafting and presenting papers.
• Coordinate input from UK stakeholders to support radio communications regulations and guidance.
• Provide a focal point for industry and colleagues, engaging stakeholders proactively.
• Join a diverse workforce with development opportunities and staff support.

Skills

Science/engineering degree

Radio communications experience

Education

Science/engineering degree or higher diploma

Job description

£44,241 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

About the role

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Radio Communications Lead, based within the UK Technical Maritime Services (UKTMS) Directorate which has responsibility for developing, negotiating, and maintaining UK objectives and regulations relating to a wide range of safety and environment issues associated with ships and vessels of all sizes. This role is in the Radio Team, which deals with the development, maintenance and implementation of radio communications regulations; the use and protection of radio spectrum; development and availability of technical standards for bridge navigation and radio communications equipment; and their appropriate application to installations on UK vessels.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Contributing to, and where appropriate lead, the development, negotiation, implementation and management of objectives and regulation for the UK merchant ship regulatory framework.
• Representing the MCA, and/or the UK, at internal, external and international meetings and working groups, including drafting and presentation of substantive papers.
• Coordinating the dissemination and input from UK stakeholders and government organisations in support of the development, implementation and management of maritime radio communications regulations and guidance.
• Providing a focal point role for industry and colleagues, maintaining a positive and proactive role with internal and external stakeholders.
• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following:

• A science/engineering degree or higher diploma in a relevant subject
• Or experience in a specialism related to radio communications
• Ability to apply scientific and technical knowledge, drawing on relevant experience
• Ability to locate, understand and use data, evidence and advice from analytical, scientific and technical sources
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and proven ability to research and draft high quality documents using a range of different media

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 13th September 2026