Senior Service Leader (Wireless)

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 NATOs 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 NATOs communication networks and information systems against cyber threats.
• Command and Control Systems: The NCIA develops and maintains the systems used by NATOs 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 NATOs mission to detect deny and defeat threats to its communication networks.
• Information Management: The NCIA manages NATOs information technology infrastructure including its databases applications and servers.

Overall the NCIA plays a critical role in ensuring the security and effectiveness of NATOs communication and information technology capabilities.

The program

Assistance and Advisory Service (AAS)

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is NATOs 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 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 ID 2025-0226

Role Background

As of the 1st January 2025 The Joint Support Enabling Command (JSEC) Ulm Germany has embarked upon a major transformation from a NATO Force Structure entity to a NATO Command Structure entity. This necessitates that a number of JSEC personnel move from the National German IT systems associated services to Native NATO CIS and AIS IT services in order to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. The responsibly to manage the associated implementations and operation and maintenance activities has been assigned to and accepted by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).

NCIA is currently in the planning phase of the overarching project and requires commercially provided resources to support the phased implementation through a number of steps of native NATO CIS services.

This Statement of Work outlines the scope objectives and deliverables for the installation of 42 Wi-Fi Access Points (WAP) into 2 buildings including connecting them into network performing initial connection verification and support to NATO NCIA engineers in configuration of Wi-Fi in both building

The objective of this project is to deploy a robust Wi-Fi infrastructure using Cisco Catalyst 9166I WAPs across two specified buildings. The WAPs will broadcast on the 5GHz bandwidth utilizing two available radios to provide access to the Mobility SSID network for users. Due to the lack of existing copper infrastructure in most areas fiber optic connectivity will be extensively utilized requiring the installation of media converters and Power over Ethernet (PoE) injectors

Deliverables

The scope of work encompasses the physical installation connectivity and initial setup of the WAPs along with related infrastructure components.

Building 133

Ground Floor:

• WAP Configuration: WAPs will broadcast on 5GHz using two available radios for the Mobility SSID network;
• Coverage Areas: 3 coverage areas.
• Total WAPs: 9 WAPs to be installed;
• PoE Injectors: 9 PoE injectors will be installed powered from available wall sockets;
• Location: Exact WAP locations as per the provided design plan;
• Mounting: WAPs will be ceiling-mounted;
• Connectivity: WAPs will connect via fiber or copper to the switch in the Technical Room;
• Fiber-to-Copper Conversion: An additional PoE injector will be installed close to each fiber drop inside the room to convert fiber to copper (if needed);
• Copper Link: An additional copper link will be available between the PoE injector and the WAP for data and PoE.

First Floor:

• WAP Configuration: WAPs will broadcast on 5GHz using two available radios for the Mobility SSID network;
• Coverage Areas: 4 coverage areas.;
• Total WAPs: 9 WAPs to be installed;
• Location: Exact WAP locations as per the provided design plan;
• Mounting: WAPs will be ceiling-mounted;
• Connectivity: WAPs will connect via fiber to the switch in the Technical Room.

Building 40

North:

• WAP Configuration: WAPs will broadcast on 5GHz using two available radios for the Mobility SSID network;
• Coverage Areas: 3 coverage areas.
• Total WAPs: 11 WAPs to be installed;
• PoE Injectors: 11 PoE injectors will be installed powered from available wall sockets;
• Location: Exact WAP locations as per the provided design plan;
• Mounting: WAPs will be ceiling-mounted;
• Connectivity: WAPs will connect via fiber to the switch in the Technical Room;
• Fiber-to-Copper Conversion: An additional PoE injector will be available close to each fiber drop inside the room to convert fiber to copper;
• Copper Link: An additional copper link will be available between the PoE injector and the WAP for data and PoE;
• Mounting: Due to copper foil used for radio signal protection all drilling and screws used to attach anything to walls and ceilings will not be longer than 25 mm. It is the part of SoW scope to deliver and use authorised special ankers/dowels for rigips.

South:

• WAP Configuration: WAPs will broadcast on 5GHz using two available radios for the Mobility SSID network;
• Coverage Areas: 3 coverage areas;
• Total WAPs: 9 WAPs to be installed;
• PoE Injectors: 9 PoE injectors will be installed powered from available wall sockets;
• Location: Exact WAP locations as per the provided design plan;
• Mounting: WAPs will be ceiling-mounted;
• Connectivity: In all VTC rooms except rooms 29 and 32 existing copper drops will be used. For rooms 29 and 32 (where no copper infrastructure is available) WAPs will connect via fiber to the switch in the Technical Room;
• Fiber-to-Copper Conversion (Rooms 29 & 32): An additional PoE injector will be installed close to each fiber drop inside rooms 29 and 32 to convert fiber to copper;
• Copper Link (Rooms 29 & 32): An additional copper link will be installed between the PoE injector and the WAP for data and PoE;
• Acoustic Panels (VTC Rooms): WAPs in VTC rooms with acoustic panels must be installed in between the panels avoiding drilling;
• Mounting: Due to copper foil used for radio signal protection all drilling and screws used to attach anything to walls and ceilings will not be longer than 25 mm. It is the part of SoW scope to deliver and use authorised special ankers/dowels for rigips.

Installation Tasks (Per WAP Location)

• Media Converter Installation: Install Media Converter (MC) inside the existing cable tray located on the wall where existing fiber links and power sockets are terminated;
• Power Supply Installation: Install a dedicated power supply and power the MC;
• Fiber Patchcord Installation: Install a fiber patchcord to connect the MC to the available fiber drop on the cable tray;
• Cable Tray Installation: Install a new 20x20mm cable tray between the existing horizontal cable tray and the WAP location if needed;
• WAP Metal Plate Installation: Install a dedicated WAP metal plate using four 25mm expansion bolts requiring drilling of holes. (Note: all drilling and screws used to attach anything to walls and ceilings will not be longer than 25 mm. It is the part of SoW scope to deliver and use authorised special ankers/dowels for rigips;
• WAP Mounting: Mount the WAP on the dedicated metal plate;
• Copper Patchcord Installation: Install a copper patchcord between the MC and the WAP;
• Cable Tray Closure: Close the installed cable tray with a dedicated cover;
• System Power Up: Power up the system.

Broader Services

• Local Logistical Support: This includes removing devices from delivery pallets placing them in their end-point destination and assisting with asset and configuration management activities.
• Disposal of Packaging Material: Responsible for the proper disposal of all packaging materials.
• Equipment and Cabling Labelling: Labelling of all installed equipment and cabling according to the Purchasers provided standardization documentation.
• Cable Patching: Performing cable patching of equipment in adherence to the Purchasers provided standardization documentation.
• Device Mounting: Securely mounting all devices as per the design plan and site specifics
• Configuration Testing and Network Connection: Configuration testing and connection of the WAPs to the network utilizing Purchaser-provided templates and criteria.
• Connection Verification: Verifying the successful connection and functionality of all installed devices.
• Documentation Production: Producing all agreed-upon documentation using the Purchasers provided templates and criteria.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Service Leader will lead the installation configuration and testing of Cisco Catalyst 9166I Wireless Access Points. This role requires a deep understanding of wireless networking principles Cisco WAP technologies and fiber optic connectivity. The Senior Engineer will be responsible for overseeing the work of the Engineer troubleshooting complex issues and ensuring adherence to design specifications and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the on-site installation and deployment of Cisco Catalyst 9166I WAPs;
• Oversee and guide the Engineer in all installation and configuration tasks;
• Perform complex troubleshooting for network connectivity and WAP functionality issues;
• Ensure all installations adhere to design plans safety regulations and quality standards;
• Liaise with the client (Purchaser) for technical clarifications and progress updates;
• Verify proper configuration testing and connection of WAPs to the network;
• Produce and finalize all required project documentation;
• Manage local logistical support and material disposal

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience (5 years) in network infrastructure deployment with a strong focus on wireless technologies;
• Expert-level knowledge of Cisco wireless solutions specifically Cisco Catalyst WAPs and controllers;
• In-depth understanding of 802.11 Wi-Fi standards (especially 5GHz) RF principles and wireless security;
• Experience with fiber optic cabling media converters and PoE technologies;
• Proficiency in network troubleshooting and diagnostic tools;
• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams and design plans;
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail;
• Strong communication and leadership abilities;

Desirable Skills Experience and Certifications

• Relevant industry certifications (e.g. CCNA Wireless CCNP Wireless or equivalent) are highly desirable.

Working Location

• Ulm Germany (JSEC)

Working Policy

• On-Site
• May extend service coverage to weekends and official holidays

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance