Principal Technician (Facilities Management)

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. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting 

The NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) is responsible for providing secure and effective communications and information technology (IT) services to NATO's member countries and its partners. The agency was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The NCIA provides a wide range of services, including:

• Cyber Security: The NCIA provides advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect NATO's communication networks and information systems against cyber threats.
• Command and Control Systems: The NCIA develops and maintains the systems used by NATO's military commanders to plan and execute operations.
• Satellite Communications: The NCIA provides satellite communications services to enable secure and reliable communications between NATO forces.
• Electronic Warfare: The NCIA provides electronic warfare services to support NATO's mission to detect, deny, and defeat threats to its communication networks.
• Information Management: The NCIA manages NATO's information technology infrastructure, including its databases, applications, and servers.

Overall, the NCIA plays a critical role in ensuring the security and effectiveness of NATO's communication and information technology capabilities.

The program

Assistance and Advisory Service (AAS)

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is NATO’s principal C3 capability deliverer and CIS service provider. It provides, maintains and defends the NATO enterprise-wide information technology infrastructure to enable Allies to consult together under Article IV, and, when required, stand together in the face of attack under Article V.

To provide these critical services, in the modern evolving dynamic environment the NCI Agency needs to build and maintain high performance-engaged workforce. The NCI Agency workforce strategically consists of three major categorise's: NATO International Civilians (NIC)'s, Military (Mil), and Interim Workforce Consultants (IWC)'s. The IWCs are a critical part of the overall NCI Agency workforce and make up approximately 15 percent of the total workforce.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates placement results of staff and equipment according to space planning and requirements;
• Monitors environmental, safety and equipment requirements and conditions;
• Monitors and updates processes and procedures to develop and maintain security in the workplace;
• Interacts with customers and vendor support staff to resolve complicated problems;
• Participates in coordinating the design and construction of new or enhanced facilities;
• Tests and evaluates various types of exterior and interior security devices and systems;
• Proposes and implements reasonable and appropriate security measures;
• Assist in coordination with legal counsel in response to litigation claims;
• Conducts investigations of internal thefts and vandalism;
• Works with all major types of premises security practices, tools, and technologies;
• Oversees specific initiatives and practices that enlist employees in loss prevention efforts;
• Serves as the Data Center Manager, tracking all inbound / outbound equipment and materials to maintain positive accountability;
• Coordinates Data Center facility management support (HVAC filter replacement, facility power, etc.) with host nation entities;
• Creates and maintains Standard Operating Procedures for the CSU Norfolk Data Center;
• Creates Bill of Materials (BoM) for facility related requirements;
• Attend meetings working in partnership with different stakeholders to deliver services and meet customer requirements;
• Adheres to and provides oversight of Health & Safety requirements during all Data Center activities;
• Acts as the CSU Norfolk technical liaison with outside contractors for all electrical, environmental or other facilities-related infrastructure work supporting NCI Agency controlled Data Centers and Communications closets;
• Maintains sound knowledge of implemented technologies, applicable NATO policies and industry standards;
• Oversees vehicle fleet contracts with servicing and maintenance providers;
• Prepares and tracks vehicle servicing schedules to minimize downtime while ensuring compliance with regulations;
• Contributes to budgeting and expenditure planning and monitoring;
• Deputize for higher grade staff;
• Perform other duties as required.

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years technician level experience installing information technology related facilities, such as server farms or technical control facilities, including equipment racks, equipment and cabling;
• Proven experience working inside and/or supporting a Data Center;
• Practical experience in the implementation, testing and maintenance of modern communications, or information systems in a LAN and WAN environment;
• Knowledge of bonding and grounding requirements for communications equipment racks;
• Experience utilizing power tools such as drills, electric screw drivers, metal cutting / grinding devices;
• Good knowledge of UTP, Fibre Optic, Serial and Coaxial cabling standards and limitations;
• Good knowledge of recent technological developments in communication management systems and LAN / WAN environment;
• Experience of preparing technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures;
• Experience managing vehicles, optimizing their use and scheduling maintenance
• Experience with Facilities Management;
• Experience with Premises Security.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Design experience with all power aspects required to support a medium sized Data Center;
• Design experience with all environmental aspects, including cooling, to support a medium sized Data Center;
• Design experience with uninterruptable power (both generator and battery) power fault tolerant solutions to support a medium sized Data Center and Communication closets;
• Experience with configuration management tools and software such as: Patch Manager, Cable solve and Microsoft Visio;
• Experience working in ITIL environment and familiar with the concepts (certification would be a plus);
• Certified Data Center Design Professional (or equivalent);
• ASIS Facility Security Design (or equivalent);
• Extensive knowledge of NATO TEMPEST zoning requirements;
• Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization, including ACO and ACT.
• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements.

Specific Working Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Education

• Higher vocational training in a relevant discipline with 3 years post-related experience, or a secondary educational qualification with 5 years post-related experience;

Working Location

• Norfolk, VA, USA

Working Policy

• On-Site

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance