Engineer (Oceanographer)

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST); La Spezia; In loco; EUR 6.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A research institution located in La Spezia, Italy, is seeking an experienced professional to provide oceanographic services in support of their research and development program. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, significant experience with oceanographic equipment, and strong skills in project management and team coordination. This role includes a competitive salary and opportunities for career growth within NATO.

Servizi

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Expatriate package

Competenze

• Professional experience with oceanographic equipment and systems.
• Technical coordination for sea trials, including planning and execution.
• Management of technical teams and support for project planning.

Mansioni

• Provide oceanographic services for CMRE Research and Development.
• Supervise lifecycle management of underwater systems.
• Support project managers with technical proposals and budget planning.

Conoscenze

Operation of oceanographic equipment

Technical coordination of sea trials

Field and laboratory testing

Team management

Communication skills

Formazione

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Descrizione del lavoro

Overview

This is a position within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). CMRE conducts scientific research and technology development in the maritime domain, delivering field-tested science & technology solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance. This position is within the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD), which supports the execution of the Programme of Work. EITD consists of the Engineering Branch and the Information Technology Branch.

• The Engineering Branch addresses engineering requirements of CMRE's research activity by designing, developing, constructing, testing at-sea and maintaining, repairing and calibrating electronic, oceanographic, mechanical, acoustical assemblies and unmanned systems, especially prototypes. The branch includes:
  • Sonar & Marine Sensors Section
  • Ocean Engineering Section
  • Embedded Systems Section
• The Information Technology Branch supports computing, networking and data infrastructure, and develops, integrates, and validates software applications, services and products, ensuring interoperability, security and regulatory compliance. The branch includes:
  • Software Development and Data Management Section
  • Scientific CIS Section

The position is within the Oceanography Cell of the Ocean Engineering Section of the Engineering Branch.

Principal Duties

The Incumbent provides oceanographic services in support of CMRE Research and Development Programme. The role covers supervision of a broad spectrum of activities including conception, specification, design, procurement, integration, testing, operation, maintenance and repair of cutting-edge oceanographic instrumentation and related marine systems. Duties include a broad spectrum of Oceanographic and Ocean Engineering operations, ashore and on board vessels:

• Supervision of the lifecycle management of CMRE marine and oceanographic underwater systems, subsystems and components (specification, procurement, acceptance, testing, calibration, operation at sea, maintenance and repair)
• Support to CMRE Project and Programme Managers, including technical proposals and budget planning, for oceanographic and marine activities
• Engineering coordination of sea/land based Trials, including planning, preparation, logistics, execution and reporting
• Supervision of the CMRE underwater Gliders laboratory and control room
• Execution of field and laboratory equipment evaluation and acceptance tests, using software-based engineering tools and mathematical models
• Supervision and coordination of a team of Technicians and Craftsperson as required by the Ocean Engineering Section work programme

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

• Flexibility Clause
• Deployment/Travel: The incumbent may be required to perform duties onboard Centre or chartered vessels and may undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries
• Certification: The incumbent needs to hold a fit-for-sea certificate per IMO and ILO standards before taking up duty

Education / Professional Experience / Language Requirements

• Essential Qualifications
  • Professional experience in operation of state-of-the-art oceanographic equipment and systems
  • Participation in oceanographic activities ashore and at sea in support of underwater research or related operations
  • Technical coordination of sea trials, including planning, preparation, execution, and reporting
  • Field and laboratory acceptance, calibration and functional tests
  • Support to technical projects, including planning, execution and reporting
  • Preparation of technical documents (feasibility studies, proposals, specifications, procedures, reports)
  • Management of technical teams in day-to-day tasks, including objective setting and evaluation
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related discipline and at least 3 years post-related experience
  • Master's Degree in Engineering or related discipline and at least 1 year post-related experience
• Knowledge of one NATO language (English or French) is essential; some knowledge of the other is desirable. SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). Note: Most work at CMRE is conducted in English.

Desirable Qualifications

• Design, integration, development, testing, operation of oceanographic and marine engineering equipment (sensors, payloads, moorings, gears)
• Marine operations in multiple environments (e.g., Mediterranean, Blue Water, Arctic)
• Management and operation of underwater autonomous systems
• Knowledge of data quality checks and data management
• Project Management training
• Experience in international environments
• Master's Degree and at least 3 years post-related experience

Attributes / Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication at all levels
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to solicit inputs and encourage others
• Innovative, driven, with sound judgement
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Problem solving and initiative
• Advising and customer-oriented attitude
• Motivating and managing teams

All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct, displaying values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability and professionalism.

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 STO helps position national and NATO science investments as a strategic enabler for defence and security.

What We Offer

• Salary: 5,725.22 EUR monthly (2025 value, subject to future adjustments)
• Grade ABCL A2 / NATO G15
• Location: CMRE facilities in La Spezia, Italy, with two specialised research vessels
• Competitive NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations compensation, allowances and expatriate package where applicable
• Generous annual leave and home leave where eligible
• Three-year definite duration contract, renewable based on business needs and performance
• Interviews may consider candidates for similar future posts if they meet requirements

Our Recruitment Process

• Applications are accepted from nationals of NATO member countries only
• Submit via the E-recruitment system with CV, relevant publications and diplomas
• Appointment subject to security clearance and medical file approval

Additional Information

• CMRE values diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from nationals of all member states; women are welcome to apply
• Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity and governance

How to Apply / Note

• Notes on applying within NATO
• Note: NATO does not accept recruitment material prepared by generative AI tools; such content may be rejected