SATCOM Architect

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU, and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting 

The NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) is responsible for providing secure and effective communications and information technology (IT) services to NATO's member countries and its partners. The agency was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The NCIA provides a wide range of services, including:

• Cyber Security: The NCIA provides advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect NATO's communication networks and information systems against cyber threats.
• Command and Control Systems: The NCIA develops and maintains the systems used by NATO's military commanders to plan and execute operations.
• Satellite Communications: The NCIA provides satellite communications services to enable secure and reliable communications between NATO forces.
• Electronic Warfare: The NCIA provides electronic warfare services to support NATO's mission to detect, deny, and defeat threats to its communication networks.
• Information Management: The NCIA manages NATO's information technology infrastructure, including its databases, applications, and servers.

Overall, the NCIA plays a critical role in ensuring the security and effectiveness of NATO's communication and information technology capabilities.

The program

Assistance and Advisory Service (AAS)

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is NATO’s principal C3 capability deliverer and CIS service provider. It provides, maintains and defends the NATO enterprise-wide information technology infrastructure to enable Allies to consult together under Article IV, and, when required, stand together in the face of attack under Article V.

To provide these critical services, in the modern evolving dynamic environment the NCI Agency needs to build and maintain high performance-engaged workforce. The NCI Agency workforce strategically consists of three major categorise's: NATO International Civilians (NIC)'s, Military (Mil), and Interim Workforce Consultants (IWC)'s. The IWCs are a critical part of the overall NCI Agency workforce and make up approximately 15 percent of the total workforce.

Role Background

NCI Agency is executing a Project called SATCOM Architecture Ground Segment - Mid-Life Upgrade (project codes NSP016881, 2016/0CM03126). The purpose of this Project is to provide an updated version of the Target Architecture in relation to the latest Architecture requirements, to support the evolution of NATO-operated SATCOM ground segment, driven primarily by the progressive implementation of Capability Package (CP) 9A0130. NATO SATCOM Ground Segment covers Satellite Ground Stations (SGS), Satellite Ground Terminals (SGT), Control Centres (CC), Transportable Satellite Ground Terminals (TSGT) and Deployable Satellite Ground Terminals (DSGT).

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Update target architecture for NATO SATCOM ground segment and through developed architecture, provision of guidance tailored to each of the projects;
• Revise high level architectural diagrams in-line with the latest requirements and overall architecture;
• Revisit the analysis of the system level interrelationships and their effect on the overall architecture taking into account down to component level such as antennas, modems, and all associated monitor and control systems;
• Repeat technical analysis of the Target Architecture in relation to the Architecture functional and non-functional requirements based on the latest requirements,
• Participate in meetings with technical and operational experts, offering advice, seeking and applying solutions, recording and monitoring agreed action items;
• Liaise with Chief Technology Office (CTO), engineering, project management and operational teams;
• Provide advice on best courses for programme success.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Talented engineer with extensive knowledge of SATCOM systems focusing on both ground terminals, ground infrastructure and SATCOM space services;
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office and Visio;
• Able to receive and execute tasking in accordance with direction from NCI Agency leadership;
• Ability to plan and execute assigned project tasks taking into account policies, programme goals, and priorities, funding and other planning constraints;
• Ability to work on their own and as part of a team;
• Motivated, good communication skills, team player;

Desirable Skills and Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in concept, development and execution of projects and scientific programmes.
• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements.
• Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization.
• Knowledge of NATO Communication and Information Systems Infrastructure.

Education

• Nationally recognized/certified engineering university qualification with preferably Master of Science degree;

Language Proficiency

• Business English

Working Location

• Remote

Working Policy

• Off-Site

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance