📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Unified Communications and Network SME
🔹 Company: Spektrum
🔹 Location: Remote
🔹 Job Type: Contractor
🔹 Category: Business Consulting and Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (Off-Site)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Providing SME support to NATO Integrated Mobile Services Centre for NATO Alliance Capabilities and NATO Enterprise CIS
- Assisting NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) PoW teams and NDS sponsors in coordinating and managing work strands
- Exercising technical leadership and management of work packages within Secure Communications Interoperability work strands
- Contributing to portfolio and programme management activities, including developing technical and non-technical dashboards
- Engaging with various stakeholders, including NATO nations, to facilitate interoperable, secure, federated, and resilient Alliance C4 communications
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in secure communications and interoperability within a NATO context. It also involves significant stakeholder engagement and project management responsibilities.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop supporting artefacts, such as plans, status reports, briefs, and technical reports for NATO circulation
✅ Coordinate activities with other NCIA PoW teams, working in related topic areas and sub-programmes within the overall NDS PoW
✅ Exercise technical leadership and management of work packages within the Secure Communications Interoperability work strands
✅ Participate in portfolio management, programme management, and associated coordination activities
✅ Organize and engage in scoping discussions with sponsors and project team members, elaborating work plans and acting as a technical manager or senior contributor
✅ Prepare, organize, and lead scoping and coordination meetings with various stakeholders, contributing to overall coherence and awareness in PoW execution
✅ Provide technical briefings and presentations on the progress of various work activities, ensuring work plans are followed and milestones are met
✅ Elaborate high-quality technical reports and briefs to be circulated as NATO technical documents and inputs to NATO committees and other forums
✅ Perform other duties as required, including deputizing for senior NCIA project team members
✅ Provide SME support on secure communications interoperability and resilience topics, facilitating the Digital Policy Committee (DPC) substructure and encouraging the use of DPC communication standards
✅ Contribute SME knowledge to DPC secure communications Policies / Guidance / Architectures as directed by the NDS
✅ Develop presentations and briefs to support DPC discussions on secure communications and resilience, facilitating a shared understanding among different stakeholders
✅ Maintain technical awareness of Federated Mission Network (FMN) specifications and identify potential DPC work items to support FMN
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of technical expertise and requires the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders, including NATO nations and NCIA PoW teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Not specified (Assumed: Relevant degree in a technical field)
Experience: 10+ years of experience in secure communications and technical management within defense networks
Required Skills:
- Expertise in secure communications (voice and data) in defense networks
- Proven track record of technical management work in secure communications
- Ability to coordinate activities with multiple stakeholders and organize meetings and discussions
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with experience presenting at conferences and NATO venues
- Recent NATO experience, including direct support to NATO technical consultation activities under the Digital Policy Committee Substructure and their related work
- Detailed understanding of secure networking in NATO and multinational contexts, including at the NATO Network and Security Capability Team (N&S CaT)
- Experience and knowledge in current developments in NATO communications, such as connectivity resilience, Next Generation Networks, FMN Specifications, Protected Core Networking, IPv6, Software Defined WAN, the SCIP (secure voice) and NINE (secure IP) standards, Zero Trust, and NATO and multinational scenarios for secure IP and voice communications, including in NATO Enterprise related contexts
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with NATO nations and other international organizations
- Fluency in additional languages relevant to NATO nations
ASSUMPTION: Given the senior level of this role, candidates are expected to have extensive experience and expertise in secure communications and technical management within defense networks.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €80,000 - €120,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a senior role in defense consulting)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package for a consulting role
- Opportunity to work on high-impact projects with NATO and other international organizations
- Flexible work arrangement (Remote, Off-Site)
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with some flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The estimated salary range is based on industry standards for a senior role in defense consulting. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Business Consulting and Services, with a focus on defense, humanitarian, and government markets
Company Size: 51-200 employees (Medium-sized company, providing opportunities for growth and diverse project exposure)
Founded: 2019 (Relatively new company with a dynamic and evolving work environment)
Company Description:
- Spektrum is an international sales and management consulting firm that solves today's defense, humanitarian, and government market problems
- The company prides itself on being different and evolving to meet its clients' challenges
- 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
Company Specialties:
- Sales
- Bid Management
- Consultancy
- Project Management
- Operations
- Communications
- IT
- C4ISR
- Outsourcing
- Government
- International Organisations
- NATO
- United Nations
- EU Institutions
- and Recruitment
Company Website: http://spektrum-group.com
ASSUMPTION: Spektrum's focus on defense, humanitarian, and government markets, along with its international presence, provides unique opportunities for candidates with relevant experience and expertise.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Principal Engineer / Technical Manager
Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the NATO Digital Staff (NDS) and works closely with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) PoW teams and NDS sponsors
Work Arrangement: Remote (Off-Site) with some travel to other NATO sites required
Growth Opportunities:
- Exposure to high-impact projects with NATO and other international organizations
- Potential to work on diverse projects within the NATO Digital Staff's portfolio
- Opportunity to develop expertise in emerging technologies and standards within the NATO context
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for candidates looking to expand their expertise in NATO communications and interoperability.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (Off-Site)
Office Location(s): Remote (with some travel to other NATO sites required)
Geographic Context:
- Spektrum has offices in Barcelona, Catalonia, and Leeds, England, with a focus on supporting NATO, UN, EU, and National Government and Defence clients globally
- The role requires some travel to other NATO sites, providing opportunities for international exposure
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with some flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and occasional travel provide a flexible and dynamic work environment for the right candidate.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the provided link
- Phone or video screening with the Spektrum HR team
- Technical interview with the Spektrum technical team, focusing on the candidate's expertise in secure communications and project management
- Final interview with the Spektrum hiring manager and/or the NATO Digital Staff representative
- Background check and security clearance verification (Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance required)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in secure communications and interoperability within the NATO context
- Project management skills and experience
- Stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Cultural fit with Spektrum's dynamic and evolving work environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and expertise in secure communications and project management
- Prepare for technical interview questions focusing on your understanding of NATO communications, interoperability, and emerging technologies
- Be ready to discuss your experience working with NATO nations and other international organizations
- Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a remote and dynamic work environment
ATS Keywords: Secure Communications, Technical Management, Project Management, Interoperability, NATO, NCIA, NDS, PoW, DPC, SCIP, NINE, Zero Trust, Quantum Computing, Data Centric Security, FMN, Stakeholder Engagement, Remote Work
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, given the senior level and unique nature of the position. Candidates should tailor their application materials and prepare thoroughly for the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira)
- Secure communication tools (e.g., encrypted messaging, virtual private networks)
- NATO-specific tools and platforms (e.g., NATO Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet), NATO Communications and Information Systems (NCI) Security Information Exchange (SIE), NATO Communications and Information Systems (NCI) Security Accreditation and Certification (SAC) Tool)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the projects and tasks assigned.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Dynamic and innovative approach to problem-solving
- Collaboration and teamwork across international boundaries
- Expertise and experience in defense, humanitarian, and government markets
- Commitment to delivering high-quality services and solutions
Work Style:
- Adaptable and flexible in a dynamic and evolving work environment
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of technical management work in secure communications within defense networks?
- Are you comfortable working in a remote and dynamic work environment, with some travel required?
- Do you have experience working with NATO nations and other international organizations, and are you familiar with NATO-specific tools and platforms?
- Are you able to engage effectively with stakeholders, understand their needs, and propose constructive ways ahead?
ASSUMPTION: Spektrum values candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, and experienced in defense, humanitarian, and government markets, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality services and solutions.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires a high degree of technical expertise and experience in secure communications and interoperability within the NATO context
- The role involves significant stakeholder engagement and project management responsibilities, which may present unique challenges in a dynamic and evolving work environment
- The role requires a valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance, which may involve a background check and clearance process
- The role may require some travel to other NATO sites, which may present logistical and personal challenges
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider the unique challenges and requirements of this role before applying.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on secure communications interoperability and resilience within the NATO context, with a senior-level technical management and project management component
- Similar roles may include Senior Technical Consultant, Principal Engineer, or Senior Project Manager positions within defense consulting firms or international organizations, but with a different focus or scope
- Career paths for this role may include progression to senior leadership positions within defense consulting, international organizations, or NATO-specific roles
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to similar roles in the defense consulting and international organization sectors.
📝 Sample Projects
- Development of a comprehensive secure communications interoperability plan for NATO nations, including voice and data communication standards, architectures, and emerging technologies
- Coordination and management of a multi-national project team to develop and implement a secure communication network for a NATO mission or operation
- Conducting a technical assessment of NATO nations' communication capabilities and providing recommendations for improvement and interoperability
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and tasks assigned to this role may vary depending on the NATO Digital Staff's portfolio and the NCIA PoW teams' priorities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities and focus areas for the NATO Digital Staff's portfolio in the next 12-24 months?
- How does this role fit into the overall structure and strategy of the NATO Digital Staff and the NCIA PoW teams?
- What are the most significant challenges and opportunities facing the NATO Digital Staff and the NCIA PoW teams in the next 12-24 months?
- How does Spektrum support the NATO Digital Staff and the NCIA PoW teams in achieving their objectives and delivering high-quality services and solutions?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics for this role, and how will my performance be evaluated?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process to demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the NATO Digital Staff's portfolio and the NCIA PoW teams' priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and expertise in secure communications and project management
- Prepare for technical interview questions focusing on your understanding of NATO communications, interoperability, and emerging technologies
- Be ready to discuss your experience working with NATO nations and other international organizations
- Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a remote and dynamic work environment
- Follow up with the Spektrum HR team one week after submitting your application, if you have not heard back
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
