Are you a professional with vast experience in Electronics, with particular focus on embedded systems? Do you have experience in cables manufacturing using both dry and underwater connectors? Do you enjoy working in a challenging international environment? If so, CMRE is looking for you!

POST CONTEXT

This is a position within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

CMRE is an established, world-class 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.

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 Department (ED) and the Information Technology Department (ITD).

• ED
  ED addresses the engineering and technological requirements of the Centre’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, or combinations of such units as required.
• ITD
  ITD 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 position is for a Craftsman in the Engineering Department, Embedded Systems Section.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES
Under the supervision of the Section Head, working with some grade of autonomy, or participating in working groups or project teams, the Incumbent will be responsible for the provision of Technical Services within the Engineering and Information Technology Department and his/her duties may include the following tasks:

• Assemble PCB, cables and complex assemblies under the supervision of Engineers;
• Maintain, operate and repair electronic analogue and digital boards from technical documentation and/or schematics;
• Assist in integrating electronic boards based on SMD components;
• Test electronic and acoustic equipment under Engineers supervision;
• Assist in debugging failing circuits to identify the reason of the fault and perform board(s) rework;
• Assist in debugging hardware prototype boards, including analogue and digital components, and standard communication interfaces like serial ports, USB, Ethernet;
• Maintain the inventory of electronic components and instruments within the Section;
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment such as soldering tools, wiring tools, multimeters, oscilloscopes, microscopes, and crimp tools;
• Operate basic mechanical tools for drilling, cutting and milling to interface PCBs and electronic parts with mechanical enclosures and plates;
• Assist and participate, sharing his/her skills and experience with peers and supervisors, in the preliminary design of new instruments and equipment, including selection, specification and purchase of Electronic and Embedded Systems components, assemblies and equipment;
• Assist and participate, sharing his/her skills and experience with peers and supervisors, and tracking processes and configurations using standard office and technical software, during the integration of Electronic systems into underwater, marine or Ships deck systems;
• Provide support to Sea Trials onboard Centre’s Ships (or other Platforms as required), from the logistic (preparation, transport, installation of equipment) and operational (work at sea) point of view;
• Participate in Factory, Harbor and Sea acceptance and/or safety tests on Electronic equipment;
• Keep him/herself abreast of technical developments in the Electronics and Embedded Systems field;
• Perform other related/similar technical duties as directed in order for the Organization to deal with emergent requirements (in particular, working as a member of Working Groups or Project Teams) for defined periods.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

a. Flexibility Clause

The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed.

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

b. Deployment/Travel

The incumbent may be required to perform his/her duties onboard 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.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

a. Professional/Experience

• Technical experience in Electronics, with particular focus on embedded systems;
• Relevant Technical experience in Electronics, in support of research or industrial activities;
• Relevant experience in one or more of the following specific fields:
  • Electronic boards assembly and testing
  • SMD components soldering and handling
  • Cables manufacturing using both dry and underwater connectors
  • Arrangement of boards, connectors and cables to fit a limited space (e.g. into underwater pressure vessels)
  • Fieldwork, with particular focus on the marine environment
  • Ability to operate mechanical tools like drilling cutting and milling machines
  • Standard interfaces wiring: serial, Ethernet, USB, CAN
  • Knowledge of main battery types and handling

b. Education/Training

• Higher Secondary Education Diploma in Electronics, Ocean Engineering (or equivalent related field)

In addition:

• At least 5 years post-related experience, or:
• Advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or accreditation and at least 3 years post-related experience.

c. Language Requirements

Most of the work at CMRE is conducted in English; however, usage of Italian Language is necessary due to frequent interactions with Italian suppliers or external contractors.

English SLP 2222 and Italian SLP 2222.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

a. Professional/Experience

• Experience as Technician in the debugging, operation and maintenance of prototype/custom Electronic systems;
• Experience in the use of engineering support software packages (e.g.: CADs, Visio, Excel);
• Relevant experience in participation in technical experimentations or operations at sea;
• Knowledge of elementary Electronic laboratory, or Ship instrumentation;
• Experience in an International working environment.

b. Education/Training

• Completed vocational training, leading to a formal qualification in Post-related aspects (e.g. soldering, fiber optic handling and splicing);

c. Language Requirements

• Being fluent in Italian Language, to manage day-by-day communication with local Suppliers and Contractors.

COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate possesses the following competencies / personal attributes:

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written – able to communicate at all levels;
• Very good interpersonal skills. Solicits inputs and encourages others;
• Innovative and driven. Always displaying sound judgement;
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

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.

REMARKS

• The work is nominally conducted in an office, laboratory, or workshop environment. Occasionally (up to 60 days/year) the Incumbent may be required to perform their duties on-board CMRE’s ships; other Scientific Vessels and Boats or from temporary land-installation; where working conditions are more difficult than in the office environment.
• The risk of injury is categorized as Moderate Risk.
• The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.

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): 3,598.24 (EUR) Monthly*
  *Salary value as per 2023. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions.
• Grade ABCL grade C5/ NATO grade G7
• 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 candidate’s 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.