Senior Technician (Innovative Sensors)

1. POST CONTEXT

These are positions within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

CMRE is an established excellent scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development centred on the maritime domain delivering innovative and field-tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance.

The positions are within the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD) which supports the execution of CMREs Programme of Work.

EITD consists of the Engineering Branch (EB) and the Information Technology Branch (ITB).

• The Engineering Branch addresses the engineering and technological requirements of the Centres research activity by designing developing constructing testing at-sea and maintaining repairing and calibrating electronic oceanographic mechanical acoustical assemblies and unmanned systems especially prototypes or combinations of such units as required. The branch has the following sections:

  • Sonar & Marine Sensors Section

  • Ocean Engineering Section

  • Embedded Systems Section

• The Information Technology Branch supports the conception design development and construction of state-of-the-art technologies in computing networking and data infrastructure as well as developing integrating and validating software applications services and products. All this is done while ensuring interoperability security and compliance with relevant NATO policies and regulations. The branch has the following sections:

  • Software Development and Data Management Section

  • Scientific CIS Section

The position is within the Ocean Engineering Dev Cell of the Ocean Engineering Section.

2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The Incumbent of the Post will provide technical services in support of CMRE Research and Development general they will work under the supervision of the QT & Innovative Sensors Cell Head however they could be requested to plan and perform their work autonomously in the short time horizon addressing requirements through their technical experience also in team with other Staff.

Duties will cover a broad spectrum of activities related to Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors operations ashore and on board vessels:

• Assist with experimental design and implementation under supervision of other EB Staff and in close coordination with RD Scientists;

• Manage inventory of Innovative Sensors laboratory components and equipment;

• Support the Cell Head in the lifecycle management of CMRE Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors related systems subsystems and components (specification procurement acceptance testing calibration operation at sea maintenance and repair);

• Support the Cell Head during the preparation of technical proposals and budget planning for Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors related activities;

• Assist and participate sharing their skills and experience with peers and supervisors in the preliminary design and the integration of new CMRE Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors based or related equipment and systems providing expertise in the selection specifications procurement and integration into underwater marine or Ships deck systems;

• Provide support to Sea/Land based trials as principal or deputy Engineering Coordinator if required addressing the full cycle of related activities (trial planning equipment preparation logistics installation safety checks deployment and operation and final reporting);

• Support data acquisition analysis and documentation;

• Working autonomously or in Team with junior Technicians ensure the proper maintenance troubleshooting and storekeeping of instruments and equipment and overall Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors laboratory operation;

• Perform other related/similar duties as directed to support the Organization in dealing with emergent requirements for defined periods.

3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

a. Flexibility Clause

The Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties even in other parts of the Organization as directed.

As required by the Program of Work the Incumbent may be asked to participate in Working Groups or Project Teams and to coordinate and organize the work of other Technicians and Craftspersons.

All other related duties should correspond with the required competencies for the job.

b. Deployment/Travel

The incumbent may be required to perform duties on-board Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.

c. Certification

The incumbent needs to hold a fit for sea certificate in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards before taking up duty.

4. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

a. Professional/Experience

• Setup calibration operation and maintenance of optical systems and instruments (e.g. lasers lenses interferometers beam splitters wave-plates polarizers and fiber optics) in laboratory and on field;

• Lasers and optical setups alignment;

• Development and/or customization of data acquisition software for optical related systems and performance of data quality assessment

• Proficient laboratory equipment s(e.g. oscilloscopes power meters and spectrometers) use and operation;

• Basic electronics and circuits troubleshooting skills;

• Participation and technical support to Sea Trials to include contributions in planning preparation execution and reporting phases;

• Participation and support in the preparation of technical (feasibility studies specifications procedures reports) and budget proposals.

b. Education/Training

Higher vocational training in Optics Engineering or other related discipline leading to a professional qualification or accreditation and at least 4 years post-related experience

Or

Higher secondary educational qualification in a Technical Field and at least 8 years post-related experience

c. Language Requirements

A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages both written and spoken is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable.

English SLP 3333 (Listening Speaking Reading and Writing).

NOTE: Most of the work of CMRE is conducted in the English language.

5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

a. Professional/Experience

• Technical support in the development and operation of custom maritime/underwater equipment and systems;

• Participation to on-field/at-sea applied Quantum Technology activities in support of maritime research or other industrial operations;

• Lifecycle management (e.g. specification procurement test calibration integration operation maintenance and repair) of state of the art Quantum Technology and Innovative Sensing equipment and systems;

• Single photon circuits development and customization;

• Experimentation with Quantum Effect based sensors including integration in larger systems;

• Supervision of a Team of Junior Technicians and Craftspersons in day-to-day engineering tasks;

• Work in international environment.

b. Education/Training

• Bachelor Degree at a Nationally Recognized/Certified University in an engineering field (e.g. Electronics Computer Science).

c. Language Requirements

• Italian SLP 2222 (Listening Speaking Reading and Writing) to collaborate on day-by-day activities with local Suppliers Contractors and Authorities and Ship staff.

6. ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate possess the following competencies / personal attributes:

• Good communication skills both oral and written able to communicate at all levels;

• Very good interpersonal skills. Solicits inputs and encourages others;

• Proactive innovative and driven. Always displaying sound judgement;

• Excellent time management and organizational skills;

• Be able to develop and apply specialist and detailed technical expertise and to use technology to achieve work objectives;

• Be able to maintain a positive outlook at work and work productively when under pressure;

• Be able to adapt to changing circumstances.

All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and thus display the core values of integrity impartiality loyalty accountability and professionalism.

7. REMARKS

The duties are performed in an office laboratory workshop environment or on-board Centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply.

About Us:

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO). The mission of the STO is to help position both national and NATO science and technology investments as a strategic enabler and technology advantage for the defence and security posture of NATO Allies and partners. The Centre conducts scientific research and technology development and delivers innovative field-tested S&T solutions to address the defence and security needs of the Alliance. CMRE has more than 60 years of experience and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science modelling and simulation acoustics and other disciplines as well as producing critical results and understanding that have been built into the operational concepts of NATO and the Nations.

What we offer:

• Salary (Pay Basis): 4599.62 (EUR) Monthly (Salary value as per 2025. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions).

• Grade ABCL grade B5-B6 / NATO grade G12-G14
  NOTE:
  Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade. Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic and will not normally take place during the first three years of service in the post.
  Under specific circumstances serving staff members may be appointed directly to the higher grade and a period of three years might be reduced by up to twenty four months for external candidates.

• A world class research facility located in the sea port of La Spezia Italy supported by two specialised research vessels.

• An exciting place in which to work situated at an ideal location the port of La Spezia Italy enabling synergy with regional and global academic institutes and industry.

• Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR) which includes a rewarding salary and a comprehensive system of allowances supplements and insurances to support families and in case of expatriated staff offers an interesting expatriate package.

• A generous annual leave and (where eligible) home leave.

• The successful candidate will be offered a three years definite duration contract which may be renewed for subsequent periods subject to business needs satisfactory performance and the need to rotate skills and talent within the Organization.

• Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature which might become vacant in the near future albeit at the same or a lower grade provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Our recruitment process:

• Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.

• Applications (including the most relevant publications the diplomas - stating the highest level of education - and a CV) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system;

• Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidates medical file by the CMRE Medical Adviser.

Additional information:

• CMRE values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourage women to apply.

• Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

For more information on how to apply:

How to apply for posts within NATO

6 tips to apply for posts within NATO

NOTE:

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared in whole or in part by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools including and without limitation to chatbots such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT) or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared in whole or in part by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATOs sole discretion and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.