Network Engineer

Spektrum have a wide range of exciting opportunities in several global locations.

We are always looking to add great new talent to our team and look forward to hearing from you.

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 ID – C004234

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• A Digital Communications Services Senior Technician supports the implementation, and maintaining of the core network architecture that connects different devices and platforms.
• They ensure that all systems are operating efficiently and securely, and that they are
• aligned with the organization overall goals and objectives.
• He/she are configuring, troubleshooting and optimizing routers, switches, firewalls, and other hardware/software networking elements to optimize network performance and ensure data integrity and security.
• This role requires a deep understanding of network architecture. This role requires expertise in network architecture, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data management.
• A Communications Services Senior Technician works closely with other IT professionals to ensure that the organization's digital infrastructure is optimized for performance and efficiency.

Additional duties for this post:

Be responsible for implementing, and maintaining network routing infrastructure. Their duties typically include:

• Network Design & Implementation – Plan, configure, and deploy routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP, IS-IS).
• LA/WAN Optimization – Optimize routing tables and traffic flow for performance and redundancy.
• Troubleshooting & Support – Diagnose and resolve routingissues, including latency, congestion, and failures.
• Security & Compliance – Implement route filtering, prefix lists, and security policies to prevent unauthorized access.
• Capacity Planning – Monitor network usage and plan for scalability and growth.
• Documentation & Reporting – Maintain network diagrams, change logs, and incident reports.
• Collaboration – Work with other teams (e.g., security, data centre, cloud) to ensure seamless connectivity.
• Software & Firmware Management – Upgrade and patch routers to maintain security and stability.
• Testing & Lab Work – Conduct network simulations and testing before deploying changes.
• On-Call Support – Be available on a rotating basis for after-hours network incidents and escalations.
• Enterprise Security Operations Center Rotation – Take assigned shifts in the ESOC to monitor and manage network operations in real-time.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience with the designing, implementing, and maintaining the core network architecture for large organizations.
• Practical experience configuring, troubleshooting and optimizing routers, switches, firewalls, and other hardware/software networking elements.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical skills and problem-solving attitude.
• Practical experience with the designing, implementing, and maintaining the core network architecture for large organizations.
• Good practical experience configuring, troubleshooting and optimizing routers, switches, firewalls, and other hardware/software networking elements.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical skills and problem-solving attitude.

Knowledge and experience of the following domains:

• Routing and Protocol Expertise: Proficiency in dynamic routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, IS-IS) and traffic engineering techniques, with a strong foundation in IPv4/IPv6 networking. MPLS, IPv6, Segment Routing, QoS.
• SD-WAN and Network Virtualization: Hands-on experience deploying, managing, and optimizing SD-WAN solutions for modern enterprise environments. Software Defined (SDx) (e.g. SDN, SD-WAN, SDDC, SASE) Network Functions Virtualization (NFV)
• Troubleshooting and Automation: Advanced troubleshooting skills combined with knowledge of network automation tools (e.g., Python, Ansible) for efficient configuration and monitoring.
• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements
• Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization, including ACO and ACT.
• Cisco or other network manufacturer certifications are welcome.

Working Location

• Braine l’Alleud, Belgium

Working Policy

• On-Site

Travel

• Up to TDY within Belgium per year.

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Cosmic Top Secret personal security clearance

We never know what new opportunities might be just over the horizon. If this opportunity isn't for you please feel free to send us your resume anyway and be the first to know if something suitable for your skills and experience comes up.