Guard and Diode 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.

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 ID – C005338 

Role Duties and Responsibilities 

• Central system administration and configuration of Guards and Data Diodes to ensure continuing functionality and availability. 
  
  
  
  • Hardware and software systems installation and configuration 
  
  
  • Implementation and verification of guards and data diode configuration to meet customer cross-domain data exchange requirements 
  
  
  • Adaptation of release markings and/or email attachment types 
  
  
  • Configuration of additional cross-domain flows 
  
  
  • User and access management 
  
  
  • Monitor system performance and availability 
  
  
  • Analyze, troubleshoot and resolve application issues 
  
  
  • Development of automation scripts to meet day to day system administration tasks 
  
  
  
  


• Updating of Guard and Data Diode software/patches 
  
  
  
  • Monitor patch releases 
  
  
  • Test new software and patches 
  
  
  • Support A2SL process for approval of software updates 
  
  
  • Installation and configuration of software and patch updates 
  
  
  
  


• Documentation of Guards and Data Diode systems 
  
  
  
  • Development of SOPs and other documentation for repetitive activities 
  
  
  • Produce and maintain comprehensive documentation for all implemented systems 
  
  
  
  


• Operational support of Guards and Data Diodes 
  
  
  
  • Technical support in troubleshooting infrastructure and operational issues 
  
  
  • Collaboration with other teams for a successful resolution; 
  
  
  • Provide technical support and guidance by answering end-user requests to identify issues in secure cross-domain data exchange 
  
  
  
  

Essential Skills, Experience and Certifications 

• At least 3 years practical experience in cyber security or related field. 


• Extensive knowledge and experience (min 3 years) in the following areas: 
  
  
  
  • Linux System Administration (preferred RedHat Enterprise Linux) 
  
  
  • Scripting/Automation (Bash, Python, Ansible) 
  
  
  • Other Boundaries Protections Devices such as firewalls 
  
  
  • System security, including hardening and SELinux 
  
  
  • System monitoring and troubleshooting 
  
  
  • Experience with network protocols and traffic analysis 
  
  
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex network security issues 
  
  
  • LAN/WAN networking including protocol network architecture 
  
  
  • TCP/IP protocols and services 
  
  
  
  

Skills: 

• Strong stakeholder management skills – can demonstrate evidence of developing and maintaining strong and effective relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels in an organization. 


• Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations. 


• Very good communication and analytical skills. 

Training/certifications: 

• Relevant certifications in cyber security, such as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or GIAC Security.  

Desirable Experience: 

• Experience in working for or supporting a military or governmental organization. 


• Understanding of Information Security Practices relating to the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of information (CIA triad.) 

Education: 

• A minimum requirement of a Bachelor's degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in a related discipline and 3 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 NCIA, that is, at least 10 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to those in this Statement of Work. 

Working Location 

• Mons, Belgium 

Working Policy 

• On-Site 100% 


• Normal office environment. 


• NCIA IT equipment will be provided for the processing of restricted information. 


• The contractor may be exceptionally permitted to perform work remotely, from a different NATO nation than the duty location, subject to prior approval by their Resource Manager (to which they will be assigned upon contract start) and the Section Head GSS. 


• The contractor may work from their home in the duty location subject to the NCIA teleworking policy and in coordination with the Section Head GSS. 

Travel 

• The contractor may be required to travel to NCIA locations (to include NATO exercises) for in-person or department meetings. In such cases the contractor will be reimbursed for travel costs according to NATO regulations for traveling on NATO duty. 


• Contractors traveling for work purposes shall initiate travel requests from their designated duty station only. 

Security Clearance 

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance