Senior Systems Engineer (laboratories)

Operations

We are hiring a highly motivated individual to support System Engineering initiatives within the Laboratories Branch, to ensure the delivery of efficient and effective hardware engineering services for the Engineering Support Environments used by the Mission Systems Engineering Centre (MSEC) and the Mission Simulator Integration Laboratories.

As the Senior Systems Engineer (Laboratories), you will serve as the technical lead for the Laboratories and act as MSEC's Hardware Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing expertise and support for hardware and software issues across all assigned projects. Your work will directly influence the availability and operational readiness of MSEC laboratories, sustaining Continuous Engineering capabilities. In doing so, you will play a vital role in supporting the E-3A Component's mission by ensuring MSEC products remain ready for both operational use and training.

The ideal candidate will preferably hold a university degree and bring substantial professional experience in laboratory operations, system integration, testing and operational platforms or systems. They will demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to advise on relevant standards, methods and tools. Experience and a solid foundation in a technical engineering discipline, along with adherence to established engineering processes, is essential for this role. Required knowledge includes maintenance of computer and data display systems, Local Area Networks LANs), fibre optic technology, and UNIX-based networks and operating systems. Candidates must have a good command of English and working knowledge of Automatic Data Processing (ADP) systems.

Experience in the use of advanced digital and analogue test equipment, as well as solid understanding of Electronic Support Measures (ESM) theory and application, will be considered an asset. Familiarity with established project methodologies, including PRINCE2, PMI, or equivalent, is considered an advantage. Formal education or training on E-3A aircraft/simulator technology or comparable systems, as well as knowledge of Host Nation language (German), are highly desirable. Expert-level knowledge of ISO 17025 standards is considered advantageous.

Key responsibilities include ensuring the availability and operational readiness of the MSEC laboratories, Mission Simulator One, and associated Special Test Equipment (STE); evaluating system changes, updating hardware/software architecture, analyzing change proposals, and assessing impacts on systems and performance; supporting feasibility studies, overseeing site installations, and contributing to technical documentation such as SLAs and statements of work; supervising integration efforts, ensuring system integrity, and providing expert technical advice on hardware and software design to leadership and engineering teams; leading the detailed planning and technical evaluation of hardware and software modernization programs, representing MSEC in related meetings; acting as Test Director, actively participating in testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of the laboratories and Mission Simulator One; overseeing laboratory operations to ensure resource availability, timely task completion, and staff training; ensuring compliance with logistics, engineering, configuration management, quality assurance, and OSS&E processes; coordinating the integration of new technologies and logistics planning; serving as the primary point of contact with OEMs, contractors, and other agencies for modernization and testing efforts, including issue resolution; maintaining technical expertise in hardware, software, and systems engineering while supporting software development, maintenance, and certification. Also providing general laboratory administrative support.

Your skills should include strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective interaction with peers, subordinates, and external agencies; being self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to plan, organize, lead, and deliver on objectives; capable of applying a concise, analytical, and methodical approach to develop solutions and present actionable options for senior management; and able to clearly distinguish between operational and engineering tasks and apply the appropriate procedures to each.

By joining our organization, you will be part of a multi-national team while working towards NATO`s common goal of safeguarding peace and promoting democratic values for over a billion people. We are committed to fostering a collaborative work environment built on mutual respect and professionalism, where every individual's work makes a difference and has a meaningful impact on the mission and operation of the Alliance.

The Mission Systems Engineering Centre (MSEC) provides industry standard system engineering and maintenance to the NAEW&CF for NE- 3A on-board mission, sensor, and ground support systems using its on-site engineering facilities and test laboratories for testing, training and troubleshooting. The Laboratories Branch is responsible for managing the project portfolio for system engineering aspects.

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Serving civilian members of NATO will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. Newly recruited staff will be initially offered a definite duration contract of three years. Thereafter, an indefinite duration contract might be offered.

Salary values indicated in this vacancy notice are based on NATO`S Single Salary Spine scale. The salary is tax free including (where eligible) expatriation, family and children's allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff; education allowance for children (where appropriate) and an excellent private health insurance scheme; generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible); Retirement Pension Plan.