Software Development Engineer

Who we are:

For more than 70 years, NATO’s mission has been to preserve peace and security in the Alliance for nearly one billion citizens. The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) and its predecessors have worked tirelessly in providing the means that enable the connectedness and togetherness that keep our Alliance strong. We are the NCI Agency, a team of 3000 civilian and military staff in 29 locations throughout Europe, North America and Asia. 

Our technology and cyber experts allow NATO to conduct critical operations, protect NATO’s airspace, make data-driven decisions, defend against cyber-attacks, secure NATO networks and maintain superiority in space. This is all possible because of our greatest force, our people. In order to keep this edge we aim to hire, train and retain the very best staff. 

Our staff members represent both the diversity and unity of our Alliance. When you join the NCI Agency, you will be part of an organization where you can contribute authentically to the mission and purpose of NATO and help us keep our technological edge.

About the job:

At the NCIA Command and Control (C2) Business Area, we are delivering secure, innovative, coherent, cost effective and interoperable communications and information systems solutions to enable command & control of NATO forces, where and when required. You will be joining our ambitious team as software development and support engineer for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN), Land Command and Control (C2), and Operations Planning (Ops Planning) capabilities for the NATO operational community. We are seeking a highly skilled Software Development Engineer to work as part of the CBRN, Land C2, and Ops Planning group, whose core competencies and expertise are highly technical and diverse. We are a collaborative, growth-oriented team looking for sharp minds who can connect business goals with cutting-edge technical solutions.

You will be supporting NATO’s mission and exercises and contribute to detailed solution designs, software application development, manage and evolve engineering environments and maintain software artefacts. You will be implementing software development activities in a DevSecOps manner. In your role, you will also be support the application service delivery teams and provide assistance to end-users, including diagnosing technical issues, identify root causes, and develop and implement solutions. Your dedication and achievements will be appreciated and recognized. Our team enjoys open, transparent, and respectful communication. 

You will undertake the likes of the following responsibilities: 

• Methods & Tools: 
• Advises on adoption and application of tools and standards; tailors and improves processes.
• Software Design: 
• Participates in designing complex applications; models and verifies software using approved techniques.
• Programming: 
• Codes, tests, documents, and refactors complex programs; applies standards for robust development.
• Application Support: 
• Resolves issues, assists end-users, maintains and optimizes software performance.
• Collaboration & Communication: 
• Works closely with cross-functional teams; communicates clearly across technical and non-technical groups.
• Development Knowledge: 
• Solid grasp of languages, systems, and databases; adapts to innovation and evolving technologies 

   

  For a full list of duties, please reveiw the Job Description here.

   

About you.

The valuable experience and knowledge that you bring to this role are:

A minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s degree at a nationally recognised/certified university in a 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 NCI Agency, that is, at least 6 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to the function of the post.

Experience:

Documented and extensive experience (at least two years in programming, one year as team leader a plus) in:

• Software Application Development (desktop applications, web applications frontend/backend, service oriented applications):
• Proficiency in software development (hands-on programming) using relevant programming languages (preferably C#);
• Web application development using a modern framework (preferably Angular, ASP .Net Core) and excellent knowledge of HTML5 and CSS;
• Proficiency in using version control systems (e.g. Git) and collaborating effectively within a team using modern software development practices;
• User interface / User experience (UI/UX) design and principles;
• User stories and detailed requirements development;
• Skills in debugging and troubleshooting for diagnosing and resolving complex issues related to abnormal application behaviour;

Documented and demonstrable experience in several of the following areas:

• Knowledge of formal software development methodologies including object oriented and service oriented design, configuration control and management;
• Automated testing; 
• Virtualization and containerisation technology;
• Automation, scripting (i.e., PowerShell);
• Operating Systems (Windows, Linux);
• Relational database design and manipulation;
• Security and Operations (DevSecOps) processes and toolchain.
• The ability to communicate effectively in written English to produce technical documents such as detailed requirements, user stories, manuals, technical notes, reports, and reference documents.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively orally with good briefing skills.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken

Nice To Have:

• Master’s in computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence or any other relevant field.

Experience

• Understanding of military (functional) business processes and experience in working with military operational personnel; 
• Experience of Command and Control concepts, processes and tools;
• Knowledge of simulation concepts, design, implementation and interoperability
• Software product development including testing techniques, especially in a DevOps software factory;
• Experience with collaborative tools and platforms used in military operation, Common Operating Picture (COP) systems, mission planning tools and GIS (Geographic Information Systems);
• Experience of systems development, support and maintenance in the NATO or similar defence or industry environment;
• Knowledge of security assurance requirements for military information systems;
• Experience with application software interoperability implementation, validation, verification, and accreditation;
• Exposure to machine learning or artificial intelligence technologies, enabling the integration of intelligent feature into software systems;
• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements;

Training/Certifications

• Microsoft Certified Professional, Oracle Certified Professional, Google Associate Developer or similar.

 What we offer:

• Genuinely meaningful work as part of the most successful alliance in history.
• 3 year contract with competitive tax-free salary and household and children’s allowances.
• Privileges for expatriate staff including expatriation and education allowances (where appropriate)  and additional home leave. 
• Excellent private health insurance scheme.
• Generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays.
• NATO Pension Scheme.
• Development programs such as professional training, wellbeing, and more

To learn more about NCI Agency and our work, please visit our website.  

The NCI Agency prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment of mutual respect and value uniqueness and differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnic or cultural origin, age, religion, sexual orientation and physical or neurocognitive ability.  

Additional details on the conditions of application can be found via the NCI Agency career site.