Spektrum have a wide range of exciting opportunities in several global locations.
We are always looking to add great new talent to our team and look forward to hearing from you.
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 ID – 2024-0333
Role Background
The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) emphasizes maintaining a highly efficient, scalable, and resilient data centre infrastructure to support NATO’s operational and future needs. This involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement in power, cooling, equipment layout, and cable management. Based on these findings, a detailed optimization plan will be developed to enhance cabling organization, reduce clutter, and facilitate maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, standardized procedures for hardware installation and configuration will be established to ensure consistency, efficiency, and alignment with NATO’s operational standards, supporting seamless deployment and system integration.
Key to these efforts is the implementation of specialized tools such as Patch Manager Software, which will track, document, and manage all network connections and hardware configurations. Physical installation activities will follow the defined standards, ensuring proper cable routing, hardware setup, and software documentation. To ensure sustainable operations, comprehensive training will be provided to the data centre team, equipping staff with the knowledge to maintain, troubleshoot, and expand the infrastructure using best practices in cable management, hardware installation, and software utilization. This integrated approach will help optimize data centre performance, boost security, and prepare for future scalability.
Role Duties and Responsibilities
- Expert guidance on the design and layout of data centre infrastructure: ensuring optimal placement of equipment for scalability, airflow management, and ease of maintenance.
- Technical support and oversight for the installation of data centre equipment:, including servers, networking devices, and power distribution units, adhering to best practices and industry standards.
- Comprehensive cable management solutions: ensuring structured cabling systems are efficiently organized, labelled, and documented to support future growth and ease of troubleshooting.
- Seamless integration of new and existing infrastructure through the use of Patch Manager Software: maintaining accurate records of cable connections, patch panels, and network configurations to optimize network visibility and management.
- Recommendations for optimizing power and cooling systems within the data center, ensuring energy efficiency and adequate cooling to protect sensitive equipment from overheating and ensuring operational reliability.
- Ongoing training and support to data centre staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade equipment and cabling systems effectively.
- Support to the development of disaster recovery strategies by advising on the physical infrastructure needed to maintain continuity in the event of equipment failure: power outages, or environmental threats.
- Expert technical assessments and audits of the data centre infrastructure: identifying areas for improvement in cable management, equipment placement, and overall operational efficiency, with a focus on aligning with industry best practices and NATO’s security and operational requirements.
Essential Skills, Experience and Certifications
- Minimum 4 years of experience in data centre environments with hands-on experience in installing, terminating, and testing fibre optic and copper cabling (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6a, Cat7), including structured cabling systems, patch panels, and racks.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a military or NATO environment with a strong understanding of data centre operations and network architecture standards.
- Proficiency in rack and stack operations (installing network, server, and storage hardware) and cable management practices to ensure organized, scalable deployments.
- Experience with network testing tools such as Fluke Networks or equivalent, with the ability to perform cable certification and troubleshooting.
- Experience with patch management software, such as SolarWinds Patch Manager, ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus, or equivalent, to ensure proper documentation and organization of cable and equipment layouts.
- Expertise in network protocols including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), ensuring seamless integration of network infrastructure in the data centre.
- A valid certification such as BICSI Technician, CNet Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI), or similar.
- Knowledge of data centre power and cooling systems, including UPS, PDUs, and HVAC considerations for optimal performance.
- ITIL v4 Foundation Certification to ensure understanding of service management processes and procedures for structured and efficient operations within the data centre environment.
- Experience in project management and coordination, leading the installation and deployment of data centre projects, including managing timelines, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to quality standards and best practices.
Desirable
- Experience with fibre optic splicing and fusion splicing tools.
- Knowledge of safety standards and compliance with data centre design such as TIA/EIA standards.
- Any valid certification or training in data centre operations, such as Uptime Institute’s Accredited Tier Designer (ATD) or DC Professional’s Data Centre Technician certification.
- Knowledge of environmental monitoring systems (e.g., temperature, humidity sensors, and surveillance) for data centres.
Working Location
- Mons, Belgium
Working Policy
- On-site
Travel
- Some travel to other NATO sites may be required
Security Clearance
- Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance
We never know what new opportunities might be just over the horizon. If this opportunity isn't for you please feel free to send us your resume anyway and be the first to know if something suitable for your skills and experience comes up.
