The Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) is looking for an experienced and pro-active Computer Assisted Exercise (CAX) Engineer to support the planning, coordination and delivery of modelling and simulation solutions for exercises and collective training events. The successful candidate will have extensive experience with the creation and management of CAX databases and the ability to translate complex training requirements into CAX solutions. They will have good interpersonal skills and be used to working in diverse teams.

Summary

The JWC plans, prepares, and executes static and distributed joint operational level training in support of Warfare Development and Warfighting readiness. CAX Support Branch is responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of event-tailored modelling and simulation services, and building and supporting databases necessary to execute planned CAX training events.

The Computer Assisted Exercise (CAX) Engineer is responsible for the planning and coordination of the technical portion of the Communication and Information System (CIS) and Functional Services (FS) requirements for JWC exercise and training events. He/She will work under the direction of the CAX Team leader to prepare the detailed engineering aspects of the task and reflected in the event Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) Support Plan.

REPORTS TO

Team Leader (CAX Support)

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The incumbent’s duties are:

• Plan, develop and maintain CAX databases for the JWC events based upon exercise specific force structures.
• Prepare, organise and conduct CAX training of exercise control staff.
• Provide CAX expert support in a response cell during the execution of the JWC events, including operation and management of simulation systems.
• Provide planning support to event project teams and participate in the exercise preparation process.
• Manage modifications to simulation data during the execution of an exercise.
• Define an effective set of Command and Control (C2) interfaces to enable the CAX environment to exchange data with C2 systems.
• Participate in model evaluation(s) and tests to verify model functionality and identify areas requiring adaptation.
• In collaboration with modelling experts, developers and JWC Subject Matter Experts (SME), develop proposals for model modifications and priorities and participate in CAX support tool operational authority board meetings.
• Coordinate with exercise planners on the C4 systems that will be used during an exercise and on the information flow requirements.
• Coordinate with the IM/C4 Branch to ensure suitable allocation of hardware to simulation functions and processes for identified simulation versions.
• Coordinate with the Information Management / Command, Control, Communication and Computer (IM/C4) Branch on architecture for exercise and on intended connectivity arrangements and performance requirements.
• Provide IM/C4 Branch with updated versions of simulation interfaces to C2 for installation on selected equipment.
• Provide feedback analysis to model developers, Main Events List/ Main Incidents List (MEL/MIL) developers, service providers and exercise planners.
• Coordinate and organise the maintenance of CAX hardware, software and networking environment for exercise preparation, conduct and analysis.
• Advise Exercise Control (EXCON) staff on measures to adapt the course and flow of an exercise during its execution.
• Manage the operation of the C2 interfaces during the conduct of exercises.
• Identify and validate future modelling and simulation requirements and liaise with the agencies and the centres within NATO and nations to contribute modelling and simulation research and development efforts.
• Act as the knowledge base within JWC for training model capabilities and limitations.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Professional/Experience

• Minimum experience of two years in CAX Support planning and execution.
• Extensive experience in database creation and management in a CAX Support context.
• Extensive experience in simulation concepts for time representation, entity representation, data management and interoperability and the design of simulation verification and validation processes.

Education/Training

• University degree in computer science, operations research, or related subject, or   
• Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

Language

• English – Upper Intermediate/Advanced

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Professional/Experience

• Knowledge of NATO Information Systems and networks.
• Familiarity with operating systems.
• Familiarity with the preparation and execution of computer assisted exercises using the Joint Theatre Level Simulation and Virtual Battle Space models, current Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) (such as Oracle, Postgres, etc.) and associated tools.
• Knowledge of military functions, units, systems and modes of operation at the tactical and operational level of warfare.
• Previous relevant experience in an international organisation, preferably NATO
• Supervisory experience in a technical field.
• Up-to-date knowledge of emerging Modelling & Simulation technologies.
• Knowledge of the theory, methodology and technologies pertaining to computer assisted exercises.

Education/Training

• University degree in computer science, operations research, or related subject, and at least five years of relevant experience.  

ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES

• Personal Attributes: The incumbent must be able to work as a member of a team with broad technical skills. A pro-active approach will be important to assess, identify and address problems with the CAX support environment before they critically impact on users. Incumbent will require a capacity to analyse the training requirements and translate those requirements into modelling & simulation requirements. The incumbent must be able to work under pressure and still produce high quality results. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with good briefing skills.

• Managerial Responsibilities: There are no formal first line reporting responsibilities.  However, because a major component of this post is the coordination of effort across the JWC, it will be responsible for coordinating CAX requirements and considerations across the organisation and with external stakeholders. The post is responsible for the operation of all Modelling & Simulation resources (hardware, software and network) available in JWC. The incumbent acts as modelling and simulation expert within the JWC and provides advice on this function to other staff.  He/She attends project and planning meetings. He/She contributes for assigned modelling and simulation projects.

• Professional Contacts: The incumbent is responsible for the coordination and cooperation of work with the other section of the branch, and other divisions of JWC. Regular contact with staff concerned with related or similar efforts in headquarters and agencies such as ACO, ACT, NCIA, national simulation centres and private scientific and industrial organizations.

• Contribution to Objectives: Indirectly impacts the ability of JWC staff to achieve overall objectives. This post contributes significantly to the availability and accessibility of CAX Support systems in use at remote (from the JWC) locations participating in JWC training. CAX is a critical enabler for NATO exercises and JWC’s CAX Support Teams are an important and indispensable part of JWC’s overall effort to deliver NATO exercises.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is normally performed in an office environment.

NOTE: The work both oral and written in this post and in this headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT JWC:

JWC, as an equal opportunities employer, values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications from nationals of all NATO Member States and strongly encourage women to apply.

Applications are to be submitted, in English, using the NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang-en). Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) will not be accepted.

NTAP allows for the adding of attachments. Candidates are advised to attach a copy of the qualification(s)/certificate(s) covering the highest level of education and vocational qualifications held to support their application. 

Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed or re-submit the application.

Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Remarks:

Notes for candidates: The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade G15 / A-2 will be considered before any other candidates.

Notes for NATO Civilian Human Resources Managers: if you have qualified redundant staff at grade G15 / A-2, who wish to be considered for this post, please advise JWC Civilian HR no later than the closing date.

Contract:

The successful applicant will be offered a three year definite duration employment contract after which a further contract may be offered. Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

Salary:

Starting basic salary is NOK 85,467.00 per month (tax-free). Additional allowances may apply depending on the personal circumstances of the successful candidate. For further details see NATO Terms & Conditions.

For any queries, please contact the Joint Warfare Centre Recruitment Team at [email protected]