RF Systems Engineer

At Formula 1 our vision is to unleash the greatest racing spectacle on the planet.

Our key to success is an organisation that values passion, integrity, and respect. To help deliver against this global vision we are seeking an Engineer to join the DGB (Digital Ground Based) team responsible for the systems that enable radio frequency communication between the race cars and the track side at all F1 events.

Your work will be split between the Event Technical Centre at the race circuits, and our Media & Technical Centre in Biggin Hill. Whilst working at the events you will work as part of a team required to deploy commission and maintain various radio frequency systems that are used for telemetry, onboard camera, and Team radio. When supporting events from the UK you will configure systems, monitor the incoming data, video, and audio during testing and live sessions, working to the time-zone of the host country.

The role:

  • Deploy, commission, and decommission RF installations around Grand Prix circuits. Working at heights of up to 5m using climbing safety harness.
  • First hand support for track side systems including: FIA marshalling, Telemetry, data acquisition and timing as well as paddock systems and F1 team integration.

  • Configure and support the systems enabling the distribution of onboard video multicasts and telemetry data to clients.

  • Video and data signal analysis, optimising performance and ensuring a clean output.

  • Project design, implementation and documentation to the highest standards providing reliable and resilient technical solutions.

  • Support and liaise with other departments/customers, to fault-find problems or provide solutions to requests as they arise.

  • Take ownership of business areas and operational relationships to act as a point of contact for technical advice, fault reporting and repair feedback.

  • Collaboration with stakeholders to create and maximise efficiencies and optimised technical solutions whilst utilising existing available resources.

  • Required to ensure the upkeep of equipment list/manifests and liaise with freight department.

  • Confident in ordering equipment and consumables required by DGB and liaising with suppliers for equipment repair and servicing.

  • Undertaking race event preparatory work and be able to liaise with F1 departments to ensure DGB race planning is completed in adequate time.

  • Work with line manager to continually explore the most effective and efficient way of maintaining and managing all technical systems.

  • Take ownership of systems to ensure that the design and workflows are continually adapted to meet ever changing business needs and make the most of technical advances.

  • Keep abreast of new technologies and developments in relation to BTS systems, including contributing to system design and project team involvement.

  • Able to always operate safely in line with company health and safety requirements.

For the full job description, please refer to Additional information

About You

You’re self-driven, curious, hardworking and you thrive in a team. You face problems as challenges. You are analytical, a good communicator and remain calm under pressure. You enjoy both the theoretical side of engineering as well as being hands on and getting stuck in. You enjoy frequent travel and would relish the opportunity to work long but rewarding hours at F1 racing circuits around the world.

You have:

  • A degree in broadcasting/telecommunication/electronics engineering discipline with actual experience in technical broadcasting/communication systems

  • Experience working within a broadcasting or communications environment as an Engineer

  • Knowledge of radio frequency technology including COFDM modulation schemes, spectrum analysis, spectrum management

  • Experienced in TCP/IP Ethernet networks and configuring switches on a LAN network

  • A solid understanding of Networking including fibre infrastructure

  • Proven experience and understanding of technical wiring diagrams

  • Excellent practical fault-finding skills experience in radio frequency, networking, fibre optics, and/or broadcasting

  • Ability to work unaided to perform daily tasks, testing, and small projects on technical systems using approved guidelines. Honesty, initiative, diligence, and attention to detail is expected at all times

  • EU driving licence and willingness to drive abroad

  • Willing to travel frequently to perform an operational role at international circuits

  • Capable of performing the rig and de-rig duties as required for a DGB team member

  • Proven history of system design and implementation

Desirable:

  • Fully competent in OTDR testing, fusion splicing, fibre termination and installation of fibre optic cable

  • Practical experience and competency in using AutoCAD software

  • Fully competent in the use of a radio network analyser and VSWR testing

  • Competent in DVB T and DVB T2 standards and video decoding

As a united team we achieve great things together.  Are you ready to unleash your potential at F1?