Engineer (multiple positions)

We are seeking passionate and talented Engineers to join our team for the development and implementation of state-of-the-art embedded computing, electronic and electro-mechanic equipment in support of the Centre’s scientific programme of work.

1.    POST CONTEXT

This is a position within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

CMRE is an established, world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development, centred on the maritime domain, delivering innovative and field tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance. 

This position is within the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD), which supports the execution of the Programme of Work. 

EITD consists of the Engineering Branch and the Information Technology Branch:

• The Engineering Branch addresses the engineering and technological requirements of the Centre's research activity, by designing, developing, constructing, testing at-sea and maintaining, repairing and calibrating electronic, oceanographic, mechanical, acoustical assemblies and unmanned systems, especially prototypes, or combinations of such units as required. The branch has the following sections:
  • Ocean Engineering Section;
  • Sonars & Marine Sensors Section;
  • Embedded Systems Section
• The Information Technology Branch supports the conception, design, development and construction of state-of-the-art technologies in computing, networking and data infrastructure as well as developing, integrating, and validating software applications, services and products. All this is done while ensuring interoperability, security and compliance with relevant NATO policies and regulations. The branch has the following sections:
  • Software Development and Data Management Section;
  • Scientific CIS Section;

The positions are within the “Electronic” and “UxVs” Cells of the “Embedded Systems” Section of the EB.

2.    PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Section Head or the Cell Head, the incumbent will be asked to lead and provide their skills to a team of Technicians and Engineers, for the development and implementation of state-of-the-art embedded computing, electronic and electro-mechanic equipment in support of the Centre’s scientific programme of work.

Their duties will include the following tasks:

• Lead the design of new equipment by organizing the team work at system level, keeping track of functional, security and performance requirements as agreed with the users.
• Integrate components provided by different functional groups and external suppliers, both at hardware and software level, conduct system test and produce operations and maintenance manuals.
• Take ownership and improve existing equipment by promoting harmonization of functional blocks among different systems, where applicable.
• Manage existing systems’ lifecycle (obsolescence, spare parts procurement).
• Organize field trials, both at sea onboard ships or submarines, and on land, taking care of manpower, logistics and equipment readiness.
• Manage contracts with external suppliers.
• Prepare technical specifications of equipment provided by external suppliers and conduct acceptance tests.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical and scientific reports in support of the Centre’s Research Division.
• Manage ED Projects for the provision/maintenance/operations of equipment and engineering services to external institutions.
• Provide expertise in the field of edge computing and sensors interfacing.

3.    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

a.    Flexibility Clause

The Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties even in other parts of the Organization as directed.

As required by the Program of Work, the Incumbent may be asked to participate in Working Groups or Project Teams, and to coordinate and organize the work of other Technicians and Craftspersons.

All other related duties should correspond with the required competencies for the job.

b.    Deployment/Travel

The incumbent may be required to perform their duties onboard Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.

c.    Certification

The incumbent needs to hold a fit for sea certificate in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards before taking up duty.

4.    ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

a.    Professional/Experience

• Embedded systems design, with particular focus on sensors interface, digital data acquisition, processing and storage
• Electronic systems design, testing and validation
• Knowledge of digital data transmission protocols and standard interfaces, both at board and system level (I2C, SPI, serial, Ethernet, CAN)
• Firmware development on microprocessors, microcontrollers and/or FPGA platforms
• Application software development oriented to automation, data acquisition and analysis
• Project management targeted to the design and construction of heterogeneous systems composed of electronic, electro-mechanic and software components
• Solid knowledge and field experience in one or more of the following topics:
  • Integration of COTS equipment into marine and underwater autonomous systems (e.g. UxVs)
  • Systems/sensors integration into existing assets , and validation at both hardware and software levels
  • Linux/Embedded Linux OS
  • Long range data transmission (fiber optic, radio links)
  • Underwater sound sensors and effectors (hydrophones and transducers), and supporting electronics
  • Integration of edge computing devices into existing systems and platforms
  • Electro-mechanical integration of heterogeneous elements in self-contained devices (thermal aspects, internal/external connectors, wiring aspects)
  • Conduction, as team leader, of marine operations / scientific trials using a network of heterogeneous assets (fixed and mobile nodes)

b.    Education/Professional experience

• Bachelor’s degree at a nationally recognized/certified University in Electronic or Computer Engineering or related discipline, and 2 years post-related experience.

Or

• Exceptionally, the lack of a university degree may be compensated by the demonstration of a candidate’s particular abilities or experience that is/are of interest to CMRE, that is, at least 6 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to the function of the post.

c.    Language Requirements

A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages, both written and spoken, is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable.

English SLP 3333

NOTE:  Most of the work of CMRE is conducted in the English language.

5.    DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

a.    Professional experience

• Team supervision in day-to-day engineering tasks
• Project management
• Project budget (manpower and cost) estimation
• Evidence of successful projects delivery when acting as leader
• Solid background in electronic systems architectures, in terms of subsystems and interfaces specifications, testing and validation
• Power conversion electronics (switching circuits and power amplifiers)
• Multichannel, high-rate, analog to digital data conversion, acquisition and storage for high-definition audio processing
• Marine electronic systems

b.   Education/Training

Master’s Degree, at a nationally recognized/certified University in a post-related discipline (Electronic, Electro-Mechanical, Robotics or Computer Science).

c.   Language Requirements

Italian SLP 2222 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing), to collaborate and day-by-day activities with local Suppliers, Contractors and Authorities, and Ship staff.

6.    ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate possess the following competencies / personal attributes:

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written – able to communicate at all levels;
• Very good interpersonal skills. Solicits inputs and encourages others;
• Innovative and driven. Always displaying sound judgement;
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Problem solving: responding to unexpected circumstances and taking initiative to implement solutions;
• Advising: give targeted advice to others within or outside the organization;
• Adopting a customer oriented attitude: takes personal responsibility for correcting problems.

All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and thus display the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.

7.    REMARKS

The duties are performed in an office, laboratory, workshop environment or on-board Centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply.

The nature of this position may require the staff members to be called at times, to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.

___________________________

About Us:

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO).  The mission of the STO is to help position both national and NATO science and technology investments as a strategic enabler and technology advantage for the defence and security posture of NATO Allies and partners. The Centre conducts scientific research and technology development and delivers innovative field-tested S&T solutions to address the defence and security needs of the Alliance. CMRE has more than 60 years of experience and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science, modelling and simulation, acoustics and other disciplines, as well as producing critical results and understanding that have been built into the operational concepts of NATO and the Nations.

What we offer:

• Salary (Pay Basis): 5,725.22 (EUR) Monthly*
  *Salary value as per 2025. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions.
• Grade ABCL grade A2/ NATO grade G15

• A world class research facility located in the sea port of La Spezia, Italy supported by two specialised research vessels. 
• An exciting place in which to work situated at an ideal location, the port of La Spezia, Italy, enabling synergy with regional and global academic institutes and industry.
• Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR), which includes a rewarding salary and a comprehensive system of allowances, supplements and insurances to support families and, in case of expatriated staff, offers an interesting “expatriate” package. 
• A generous annual leave and, (where eligible) home leave.
• The successful candidate will be offered a three years’ definite duration contract which may be renewed for subsequent periods subject to business needs, satisfactory performance and the need to rotate skills and talent within the Organization.
• Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Our recruitment process:

• Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.
• Applications (including the most relevant publications, the diplomas - stating the highest level of education - and a CV) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system; 
• Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the CMRE Medical Adviser.

 Additional information:

• CMRE values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourage women to apply.
• Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

For more information on how to apply:

How to apply for posts within NATO

6 tips to apply for posts within NATO

NOTE:

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.