Engineer (Oceanographer)

Overview

Science and Technology Organization
Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)

VACANCY NOTICE

NATO Body: Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)

Schedule: Full-time

Application Deadline: 20 October 2025

Salary (Pay Basis): 5,725.22 EUR (Monthly)

Grade: NATO SSS Grade G15 (ABCL A2)

Clearance Level: NS

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a NATO SECRET security clearance and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the CMRE Medical Adviser.

Location: La Spezia, Italy (CMRE facility in the sea port); flexible to national and international deployment as required.

Note: CMRE is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO). This vacancy is in the Oceanography Cell of the Ocean Engineering Section within the Engineering Branch in the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD).

Principle Duties

• Provide oceanographic services in support of CMRE Research and Development Programme, including supervision of a broad spectrum of activities from conception to operation and repair of oceanographic instrumentation and marine systems.
• Oversee lifecycle management of CMRE marine and underwater systems, subsystems and components (specification, procurement, acceptance, testing, calibration, operation at sea, maintenance and repair).
• Support CMRE Project and Programme Managers, including technical proposals and budget planning for oceanographic and marine activities.
• Coordinate sea/land based trials (planning, preparation, logistics, execution and reporting).
• Supervise the CMRE underwater Gliders laboratory and control room; oversee field and laboratory equipment evaluation and acceptance tests using software-based engineering tools and mathematical models.
• Supervise and coordinate a team of Technicians and Craftsperson as required.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

• Flexibility: perform other related duties as directed; ensure competencies align with job requirements.
• Deployment/Travel: may be required to work onboard CMRE ships and undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.
• Certification: hold a fit-for-sea certificate in line with IMO and ILO standards before taking up duty.

Essential Qualifications

• Professional Experience: operation of state-of-the-art oceanographic equipment and systems; participation in oceanographic activities ashore and at sea; technical coordination of sea trials; field and laboratory acceptance, calibration and functional tests; support to technical projects; preparation of technical documents; management of technical teams.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or relevant discipline with at least 3 years post-qualification experience; or Master’s Degree with at least 1 year post-qualification experience.
• Language: fluent in one NATO language (English or French) with good written and spoken skills; some knowledge of the other language desirable. SLP 3333; most work conducted in English.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in design, integration, development, testing and operation of oceanographic/marine engineering equipment; marine operations in multiple environments; management and operation of underwater autonomous systems; data quality and data management knowledge; project management training; experience in international environments.
• Education/Certification/Experience: experience in international organizations in progressively responsible managerial positions; knowledge of Host Nation contract law.
• Language: Italian SLP 2222 for collaboration with local suppliers and authorities.

Attributes/Competencies

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and documentation skills.
• Innovative, with sound judgement and strong time management.
• Problem solving, initiative, and client-oriented mindset.
• Ability to motivate and manage teams; solicits inputs and distributes responsibilities to optimize performance.
• Adherence to NATO Code of Conduct values: integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, professionalism.

Remrks

Work environment includes office, laboratory, workshop, and on-board CMRE ships; some slightly undesirable working conditions may apply.

Remuneration and Benefits (highlights)

• Salary and allowances per NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR); competitive package including expatriation allowances where applicable.
• Generous annual leave and home leave where eligible.
• Three-year definite duration contract, renewable subject to needs and performance.
• Recruitment process notes: nationality restrictions; applications via NATO NTAP system; security clearance and medical approval required.

NOTE: NATO will not accept recruitment materials produced with generative AI tools. Applications should be submitted using the NATO Talent Acquisition Program (NTAP).

How to Apply

Applications are to be submitted through NTAP with required attachments; ensure education and experience details are complete in the application form. Answers should be in English or French.