Software Engineer

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.

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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.

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Role ID – NATOIS-0046

Role Background

The Cyber Threat Analysis Branch (CTAB) is looking for a Software Engineer with experience in application development and cloud-based infrastructure to support the evelopment of NATO’s cyber threat intelligence platform in order to enhance cyber threat intelligence production for the NATO Enterprise and Alliance.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the guidance and supervision of the NATO IS Procurement Service, the selected service provider will be responsible for the execution of the tasks and for the delivery of the specialist products specified in this SOW.
• The Contractor will be responsible for conducting general application development for the current threat intel platform to support NATO’s cyber threat intelligence production. The Contractor must:
  • 2.1.1 Develop and maintain custom extensions to the cyber threat analysis platform using Python and storm, with a strong focus on API-based integrations and service-to service communication. Expose and consume internal and external APIs to integrate threat intelligence data sources and downstream tooling. Conduct both activities in coordination with threat intelligence researchers in support of their objectives and requirements.
  • 2.1.2 Create and maintain applications on the AWS cloud environment together with the senior Cloud Engineer. Package and deploy services using Docker containers, supporting both cloud and on-premises virtualized environments. Set-up and use code review and CI/CD pipelines, and ensure the utmost security of the code as well as adequate documentation of conducted work.
  • 2.1.3 Enhance NATO’s cyber threat intelligence capabilities by developing, together with a data scientist, novel and AI-driven solutions to process, enrich, and analyse large volumes of threat intelligence data. Ensure that we are doing things as smart as possible and push for novel implementations where you see possibility.
  • 2.1.4 Participate in team and branch calls as required by the team lead to give status updates on projects and developments pertinent to the Contractor’s tasks. Solicit feedback on conducted work and implement it.
• 3.1 The Contractor shall produce the Deliverables as specified in the task order management under supervision of the NATO Project Manager. The Contractor shall submit Deliverables to the NATO Project Manager for Quality Review, test or inspection not later than the dates specified by the NATO Project Manager.
• 3.2 The Contractor shall continuously validate any deliverables with the NATO Project Manager and peers within CTAB.
• 3.3 The Contractor shall hold periodic sessions with the NATO Project Manager to make sure that the deliverables are aligned with NATO’s expectations.

Essential Skills, Experience and Certifications

• Demonstratable knowledge of best practices for the software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, and testing. Is familiar with CI/CD workflows, and can work with Terraform to implement them.
• Proficient in Python and a deep working knowledge of the Linux command line and git. Has demonstratable knowledge in managing and orchestrating Docker containers and working with Kubernetes. Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new programming languages and technologies quickly, with a focus on applying them effectively in production environments. Knowledge of the Storm Query Language (from Synapse Vertex) is strongly preferred but not required for this role.
• Expertise in AWS and cloud best-practices, with working knowledge of modern AWS services such as Lambda, API Gateway, CloudFront, Route 53, and ALB/NLB. Similar knowledge of Azure is preferred but not required for this role. Strong experience working with RESTful APIs, including data ingestion, transformation, and integration.
• Previous experience with full-stack applications including modern frontend development is strongly preferred but not required for this role.
• Experience within cybersecurity and/or the intelligence domain is strongly preferred but not required for this role.
• Good communication skills, both orally and written. Able to translate complex technical topics into information conveyable to non-domain experts. Can easily cooperate with non- engineers and explain conducted work, as well as give and take feedback.

Language

• The contractor shall be proficient in English.

Education

• A university degree from a nationally recognised/certified university in a technical subject with substantial software engineering and information technology content – OR – at least 2 years’ experience similar to the tasks described in this SoW and relevant industry recognized certificates.

Working Location

• Brussels, Belgium

Working Policy

• Hybrid (50% onsite/ 50% offsite)

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance