Do you have relevant experience in the design and development of mechanical and electromechanical, prototypes or limited production systems?  Do you enjoy producing new ideas, approaches or insights to problems, working with cross-functional engineering and software development teams? If the answer is yes, this post could be ideal for you!

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO).  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.  We are located in La Spezia, Italy, just 80 Km north of Pisa, on the Ligurian Coast – providing the ideal location for year-round maritime research and experimentation.

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join our Ocean Engineering Section within the Engineering and Information Technology Division.  We are looking for key players with the aim to contribute to the surface and underwater capabilities within CMRE and the NATO Nations.

Role and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Section Head, working autonomously or participating in working groups and project teams, the Incumbent will be responsible for providing Technical and Engineering Services in support of CMRE Research and Development Programme. His/her overall mission will cover a broad spectrum of activities including conception, specification, design, development, construction, integration, testing, inspection, maintenance, operation and repair of modern, cutting-edge underwater and marine systems, primarily focused on Mechanical and Ocean Engineering aspects. His/her duties will include the following tasks:

• Design and drafting of mechanical, electromechanical and hydraulic components and assemblies, of underwater acoustic, oceanographic and ship deck systems, using CAD / 3D Simulation and Modelling packages
• Mechanical interface and integration of marine and underwater components with platforms such as autonomous vehicles (AUVs, USVs, Gliders), towed bodies, ships, moorings, towers and other structures
• Implementation and operation of fast prototyping systems, to be used as  preliminary design evaluation tools
• Specification, procurement, acceptance, testing, and operation at sea of marine and underwater systems, subsystems and components, specifically regarding the mechanical and ocean engineering aspects
• Management of technical and engineering projects
• Management and supervision of manufacturing activities, ensuring execution within quality, time and cost constraints
• Supervision and coordination of internal Technicians and Craftsmen as required by the Ocean Engineering Section work programme
• Scheduling and record of planned inspection, maintenance, calibration and safety testing of mechanical and ocean systems, subsystems and components, in order to ensure an efficient operation with particular concern for the safety of the Personnel
• Organization and support of Sea and Land based Trials, including system preparation and logistics (loading/unloading, transportation and set-up)
• Participation in working groups, for preliminary technical and economical evaluations of Tasks and Projects, to be implemented in the Centre’s Programme of Work

1. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

1. Flexibility Clause

The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties even in other parts of the organization as directed and may be required to perform duties under the supervision of a Principal System Administrator or a technical team leader.

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

2. 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.

2. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Professional/Experience

• Experience in the design and development of mechanical and electromechanical, prototypes or limited production systems
• Advanced knowledge in design, analysis and simulation software tools in support of mechanical engineering (e.g. CAD, FEM, CFD, MatLab)
• Experience in the management of technical projects, including planning, monitoring, execution and reporting
• Experience in writing technical documents (feasibility studies, proposals, specifications, procedures, reports)

2. Education/Training

• Bachelor Degree at a Nationally Recognized/Certified University in Mechanical Engineering or post-related discipline, with 2 years post-related experience

3. Language Requirements

A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages (English and French), both written and spoken, is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable.

English SLP 3232

NOTE:  Work at CMRE is conducted in the English language.

4. 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.

1. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Master Degree, at a Nationally Recognized/Certified University in Mechanical Engineering or post-related discipline
• Relevant experience in the design and development of underwater and marine equipment and components (e.g. autonomous vehicles, acoustic and oceanographic systems, moorings and structures, custom electro/hydraulic deck machinery)
• Relevant experience in ocean engineering activities, ashore and at sea, in support of underwater research or other industrial operations
• Experience in the design, development or operation of robotics systems
• Experience in carrying safety tests for equipment certification according to Standards and Rules (e.g. lifting, loading, pressure tests)
• Experience in state of the art and innovative manufacturing technologies applied to Ocean Engineering
• Experience in supervising people in day-to-day engineering tasks.
• Experience in Project Management (e.g. Prince 2)
• Experience in a customer funded work environment.
• Experience in an international environment.
• Italian SLP 2222 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing), to collaborate and day-by-day activities with local Suppliers, Contractors and Authorities.

2. COMPETENCIES

1. Innovating: offering original ideas;
2. Managing: time as well as material, human, and financial resources;
3. Problem solving: responding to unexpected circumstances and taking initiative to implement solutions;
4. Advising: give targeted advice to others within or outside the organization;
5. Adopting a customer oriented attitude: Takes personal responsibility for correcting problems;
6. Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others

3. REMARKS

The duties are mostly performed in an office environment, but may require to work on board a vessel.

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): 5.743,74 Euro (EUR) Monthly
• Grade ABCL grade A2/ NATO SSS grade 15
• Salary value as per 2023. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions.
• 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 include 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) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system (TALEO) as attachments;
• 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.