Radio Spectrum Planning Analyst

Date:  17 Feb 2026
Location: 

Wellington, NZ, 6011

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

  • Support the planning and efficient use of New Zealand’s radio spectrum.
  • Permanent, full time Radio Spectrum Planning Analyst role
  • Wellington location
  • Salary $75,114 - $93,724 plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

Our job is to ensure that New Zealanders can choose and use the best wireless technologies for their needs. At its core, this is about determining who gets access to radio spectrum.  We undertake analysis, monitor technology trends and provide advice on the regulatory regime. We plan for new use of radio spectrum, allowing new services to emerge while seeking to enable existing spectrum users to grow and innovate. From time to time we run large auctions to assign rights to use spectrum.

 
Our major projects for this year include enabling various bands of spectrum to be used by satellites, mobile phones, radio broadcasters, private networks and wireless internet service providers. We will also be undertaking work to prepare for future uses of spectrum and to improve the technical rule sets of our regulatory regime. We have strong connections across government and there is a range of work underway with other agencies on aeronautical systems, maritime systems, emergency services and more.

 
We work closely with MBIE’s Radio Spectrum Management operational teams. You can learn more about the work of radio spectrum management here

 

The Planning Analyst position is responsible for providing high quality technical/engineering analysis on the allocation and management of the radio spectrum resource in order to support a higher rate of sustainable economic development in New Zealand. This technical analysis informs policy advice to the Minister or other decision makers, the specific rules and regulations that are set and operationalised, and inputs to international engagements.

 
The Planning Analyst is also responsible for helping to manage International Telecommunications Union satellite filing processes and Radiocommunication Bureau International Frequency Information Circular (BR IFIC) coordination processes in accordance with the procedures set by the International Telecommunications Union.

 

As a Spectrum Planning Analyst, you will: 

  • Undertake radio engineering analysis
  • Lead specific tasks and aspects of spectrum planning projects
  • Contribute to sustainable economic growth by enabling effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum
  • Understand and enhance the regulatory elements of radio spectrum use in New Zealand
  • Build a wide stakeholder network in the government and technology sector 

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

The Planning Analyst will be expected to:

  • Provide radio engineering and radio spectrum management analysis to support decision making 
  • Manage satellite filing and BR IFIC coordination processes
  • Assist MBIE to ensure the international harmonisation and best practice use of the radio spectrum, including supporting inputs into MBIE’s international engagements, where needed
  • Provide input to the preparation of consultations and the development and implementation of the rules that Approved Radio Engineers use to certify licences
  • Develop and maintain relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders 

 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with developing skills in radio engineering activities, including:

  • A Bachelor of Engineering in electrical engineering, or an equivalent qualification or experience
  • A developing familiarity with radio technologies and standards
  • Skills and experience in radio spectrum planning activities such as:
    • Radio wave propagation modelling
    • Interference/co-existence analysis
  • Understanding of spectrum planning frameworks
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand and apply relevant engineering frameworks and analytical tools to issues
  • Strong teamwork skills, being able to work with others to deliver effective, timely solutions
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills

 

Advantageous skills include: 

  • An understanding of New Zealand radio spectrum licensing and/or compliance practices
  • An understanding of the spectrum management environment, regulatory frameworks and planning practices
  • Knowledge and experience in interference modelling software tools and geographical information systems such as MATLAB, HTZ communications and ARC-GIS
  • Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. 

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

 

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

 

  • Mahi Tahi – Better Together
  • Māia – Bold and brave
  • Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
  • Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

 

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

 

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:


Click here to view a position description.

 

All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

 

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

 

Email Danielle Plane at Danielle.Plane2@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19063 if you have any further questions.

 

Applications close on 10 March (midnight)