SATCOM Support Technician

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

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is seeking a UHF SATCOM Support Technician for the NATO Integrated Mobile Service Centre (NIMSC) located at JFC Norfolk, Virginia, USA. The contractor will provide services to support lifecycle management of UHF SATCOM capabilities. This position is crucial to ensure the delivery of reliable SATCOM services supporting NATO operations, exercises, and missions.

The main objectives are the following:

• Ensure operational support for strategic, operational, and tactical UHF SATCOM and HF services across NATO.
• Maintain and manage the lifecycle of UHF SATCOM and HF systems to ensure reliability, scalability, and operational readiness.
• Provide second‐level technical support, configuration, maintenance, and incident resolution for NATO UHF SATCOM and HF systems.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of SATCOM Systems:

• Provide comprehensive O&M support for NATO UHF Static installations, including softwareprogrammable Tactical Satellite (TACSAT) units.
• Oversee the operation, setup, and maintenance of related communication systems, ensuring a healthy state of all supporting Information Systems and Services.
• Provide second‐level operational and technical support for NATO personnel, including deployed Out of Area channel controllers.

Configuration and Technical Support:

• Configure, set up, and maintain software, including Clearcom audio matrix equipment in relation to the Operational Communications Plan
• Implement the programming and configuration for each TACSAT and HF terminal using system‐specific applications, ensuring secure and efficient satellite communication.
• Establish, publish, and maintain the DAMA/IW Terminal Base Address (TBA) database for deployed NATO users.

Incident and Problem Management:

• Proactively carry out incident, fault analysis for all UHF SATCOM and HF services, and develop engineering change proposals to address any identified issues.
• Participate in hazard mitigation and emergency interventions on‐site and coordinate necessary emergency support.
• Conduct fault and trend analysis, suggesting improvements to enhance service reliability.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Prepare and maintain operational manuals for UHF and HF terminals.
• Create and update system engineering documentation, including configuration control records and technical standards.
• Provide regular status reports, including operational engagement reports, risk assessments, and sprint summary reports, as agreed during planning meetings.

Coordination and Support Activities:

• Liaise with NCIA Program Managers to support Project Support Requirements (PSR) and Critical Urgent Requirements (CUR).
• Coordinate with NIMSC SATCOM Operations regarding SHF, TACSAT and HF equipment movements, ensuring seamless communication between different NATO entities.
• Provide technical expertise in inspections, configuration change proposals, and system enhancements for UHF IW and HF equipment.

Essential Skills and Experience

• SATCOM Expertise: Minimum of three years of practical experience in SATCOM systems, including UHF, SHF, HF and/or EHF systems
• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with modern military communication networks, including interfaces, protocols, and experience with SATCOM Operations
• Customer Service and Incident Management: Experience in service management (incident, problem management, etc.) and a customer‐focused approach in a control centre environment
• NATO Environment: Prior experience working in a NATO or multinational military setting, with a solid understanding of NATO operational standards and protocols
• Clearcom Matrix qualified on set up and programming for all engineering aspects

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Team Leadership: At least one year of experience as a team leader in a technical environment.
• Advanced Telecommunications Knowledge: Expertise in secure military telecommunications, including practical knowledge of CIS, communications protocols, and diagnostic testing.
• Familiarity with UHF Equipment: Experience with DAMA/IW terminal configurations and maintenance of secure computer systems.
• Familiarity with HF Equipment: Experience with terminal configurations and maintenance of secure computer systems.

Education

• University Degree in Telecommunications, Electronics, or a related field, with at least two years of post‐related experience, or Higher Vocational Training with a minimum of five years of post‐related experience.

Working Location

• Norfolk, Virginia, USA

Working Policy

• On-Site

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance