MMS 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.

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.

In order 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 categorises: 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) located in Mons (SHAPE) - Belgium is currently implementing the New NATO Messaging System while continuously supporting the existing ACP127-based Messaging Capability. There is as substantial effort required to migrate the legacy ACP127 Messaging System to a X400 based-system. In the light of these activities, the C2 Service Centre is looking for an experienced software developer. More specifically, the work will support the software development of Allied Information Flow system (AIFS). AIFS has been developed to meet the Minimum Military Requirement (MMR) in providing Formal Messaging Network for NATO and interface between the Nations. Along with the AIFS Integrated Message System (AIMS) it has been the platform for end users in NATO and Nations not having their own Messaging systems.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Take the role of lead developer of web extensions to existing AIFS and AIMS, collaborate with product owner, service support team, and NATO communications centres to understand the requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Maintain and further develop the Continuous Integration environment in NATO Software Factory aiming to have the quality assurance built in including test report to explain test result and coverage to NCIA Change Advisory Boards of each release.
• Debug and troubleshoot issues, identify and resolve software defects and ensure a stable release, update software dependencies
• Design, develop, and maintain frontend to the AIFS and AIMS using python-based web frameworks, javascript, html and css.
• Interact with the PostgreSQL database, ensuring data integrity, performance, and security.
• Develop / conduct unit and automated testing of software components.
• Attend virtual and in-person meetings.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Ability to communicate with external users / customers and translate their requirements in development tasks for the team.
• Skill in migrating legacy systems to modern platforms and integrating them with current technologies.
• Two or more years in frontend development
• Strong technical portfolio that demonstrates a broad range of abilities.
• Relevant and recent experience in software development using python and python- based web frameworks (Django).
• Proven experience in design and development of dynamic web applications.
• Strong experience in JavaScript, JQuery, HTML, and CSS.
• Proficiency in template languages
• Recent experience in continuous software integration and automated testing, including knowledge of test automation frameworks and is has in depth experience with Azure DevOps, GitHub and preferably AWS
• Experience in programming at the network interface level (UDP, TCP) and serial interface level.
• Extensive and recent experience writing Ansible playbooks
• Experience in database design and database application integration (PostgreSQL and/or MySQL).
• Working experience with containerized solutions (Docker, Linux containers).
• Fluency in English language in writing and speaking.
• Nationality of one of the NATO nations.

Working Location

• Mons, Belgium

Working Policy

• On-Site

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Contract Duration

• Apr 2024 – Dec 2024

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance