SATCOM Technician

Spektrum have a wide range of exciting opportunities in several global locations.

We are always looking to add great new talent to our team and look forward to hearing from you.

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 Background

The NCI Agency has been established with a view to meeting the collective requirements of some or all NATO nations in the fields of capability delivery and service provision related to Consultation, Command & Control as well as Communications, Information and Cyber Defence functions, thereby also facilitating the integration of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Target Acquisition functions and their associated information exchange

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is dedicated to acquiring, deploying, and defending communication systems for NATO’s political decision-makers and Commands. It operates on the frontlines against cyber-attacks, collaborating closely with governments and industry to prevent future debilitating attacks. The NCI Agency plays a crucial role in maintaining NATO’s technological edge and ensuring the collective defence and crisis management capabilities of the Alliance. In pursuit of our mission, we require specialized advisory services to enhance our interim workforce capacity.

NIMSC SATCOM Business Unit provides NATO and its Partners with scalable, protected, secure, reliable, and integrated SATCOM Services with focus on NATO Operations, Crisis Response, Missions, Exercises and Business Continuity. NIMSC SATCOM has Life-Cycle responsibility for SATCOM Capabilities and Services. NIMSC SATCOM offers Capabilities and Services that are designed, integrated and tested to operate based on Satellite Communication Technologies, accessible from any location on the Globe. NIMSC SATCOM operates the NATO Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Ground Stations in Kester (BEL), Lughezzano (ITA), Atalanti (GRC), Izmir (TUR), Eggemoen (NOR), Costa Da Caparica (PRT) and supports NISRF Sigonella, Catania (Italy ).

Role Duties and Responsibilities

Installation and Setup:

• The complete Installation and configuration of all elements of a satellite communication system.
• Baseband elements such as: SATCOM modems, routers, switches, media converters, matrix switches, line amplifiers and other active and passive elements.
• Low and high power RF elements such as: UP/Down Converters, Intermediate and high power amplifiers, LNA's, RF over Fiber converters and other active and passive RF elements.
• Antenna elements such as: Motor DC/AC, power/servo drives, gearbox, Antenna control system elements, Dehydrator.
• Monitor and Control system such as: workstations, servers, gateways, Digital signal processors, network elements and analogue/digital interface elements.
• Software such as: Windows, Linux, Network IOS, proprietary system monitor and control application software, software system configurations.

The Updates/changes of hardware and software configuration:

• on all satellite station elements as required or ordered / requested.
• Satellite link setup network, baseband and RF configuration.
• Software / configuration update and patches on all systems as required.
• The installation of Power/data cable and fibre optic cable, maintaining, labelling and updating as-built documents.

To support the local Power technician in install and setup of:

• Power generation and distribution systems.
• Heating and cooling systems.
• Ancillary systems. (Fuel, water supply domestic and fire protection.)

Maintenance and Repair:

• All active/passive SATCOM, Power, HVAC, security and ancillary
• elements/systems following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system
• preventive maintenance procedure to ensure the systems are functioning correctly.
• Frequency: Daily, weekly, monthly, 3 monthly, 6 monthly and yearly inspections

Conduct regular preventive maintenance tasks:

• Cleaning of all active and passive elements/systems SATCOM, Power, HVAC, security, ancillary and system room/locations following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system preventive maintenance procedure.
• Greasing of mechanical parts following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system preventive maintenance procedure.
• Measure and adjust where required of active/passive electronic elements/systems following the guidelines and instructions in the specific system preventive maintenance procedure.
• Assist power technician in preventive maintenance tasks as required.
• Frequency: Daily, weekly, monthly, 3 monthly, 6 monthly and yearly inspections.

Diagnose and repair:

• Any issues with SATCOM, Power, HVAC, security and ancillary system following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system corrective maintenance procedure.
• Replace faulty components and update software of SATCOM, Power, HVAC, security, ancillary system following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system corrective maintenance procedure.

Service Delivery Support

• Stakeholder Management: Communicate with team members and customers to understand their needs and provide updates and solutions.
• Service Support: Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance for local and remote users/customers.
• Configuration management: Maintain accurate records of services provided and customer interactions in TT-Comms, ITSM and Logbook.
• Support Model: The service needs to be delivered under the lead by the site Station Commander and integrated with the current on-site support team on a 24/7 basis.

Others

• They will participate in the daily reporting and planning activities (daily stand-ups) as well as the required participation in workshops, events and conferences related to the supported services, as requested by the service delivery manager.

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least 5 year of experience as a satellite technician or in a similar role.
• Good knowledge of electronic and RF measurement instruments, proficiency with hand and power tools.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Desirable Certifications

• Preferred Certification CompTIA A+ or Network+ certification

Education

• High school diploma or a degree in electronics or a related network/ communication field experience of 10 years is required.

Working Location

• Lughezzano, Italy

Working Policy

• On-Site
• Monday to Thursday from 08h30 until 17h30 and Friday from 08h30 until 15h30.
• Additionally, there might be a need that during the month services to be provided on a rotating shift schedule, which can include weekdays, weekends, and national holidays. These shifts are typically 24 hours in duration, followed by a subsequent 5-day off period (max. 5 shifts per month)

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance

We never know what new opportunities might be just over the horizon. If this opportunity isn't for you please feel free to send us your resume anyway and be the first to know if something suitable for your skills and experience comes up.