Head, Engineering Branch

Head, Engineering Branch (260928)

Primary Location: Italy-La Spezia

NATO Body: Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)

Schedule: Full-time

Application Deadline: 21 June 2026

Salary (Pay Basis): 8,412.64 Euro (EUR) Monthly

Grade NATO Grade G20 (ABCL A4)

Clearance Level NS

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 – to deliver innovative, field‑tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions addressing defence and security needs of the Alliance.

The position is within the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD) of CMRE. EITD consists of the Engineering Branch and the Information Technology Branch.

The Head of EB provides comprehensive technical support for the delivery of the CMRE Programme of Work, contributing to the Centre’s leadership and strategic management of engineering activities.

• Maintain close and effective working relationships with the CMRE Project Management Office (PMO), and the Program Managers from the Research Division (RD) and the Experimentation & Rapid Adoption Division (ERA); provide overall technical governance to ensure projects are planned, executed, and delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• With the Head EITD, define and implement/monitor the Branch’s strategic objectives, annual/medium‑term planning, and budget – ensuring financial discipline, cost control, and efficient use of resources.
• Provide leadership in identifying, assessing, and introducing new technologies and innovative engineering solutions that deliver tangible benefits in terms of performance, operational effectiveness and value for money.
• Oversee evaluation of technical requirements from sister Branches and external customers, ensuring feasibility, resources, schedules, costs and risks are properly assessed and reflected in project management plans.
• Lead and develop the Branch’s engineering workforce, promoting a service‑oriented culture towards the Research and ERA Divisions, professional growth, accountability, knowledge sharing, and strong focus on quality and delivery performance.
• Exercise overall supervision of engineering projects, ensuring control of scope, schedule, cost, and quality across systems.
• Ensure availability and balance of operational capabilities across technical domains, including appointing and directing engineering coordinators for CMRE activities, exercises, and operations.
• Support transition of scientific outputs to operational engineering, promoting CMRE’s role as maritime innovation provider, in line with NATO policies and security requirements.
• Ensure all Branch activities comply with CMRE safety rules, quality policies, and applicable regulations – including at‑sea and field operations, asset management, and lifecycle control.
• Plan and ensure proper maintenance and calibration of all Engineering Branch equipment.
• Act as principal engineering advisor, contributing to programme development, future planning, and growth opportunities.
• Contribute to the successful implementation of modernization engineering activities.
• Oversee Branch’s organisational structure, staffing, recruitment, and succession planning – ensuring capabilities align with evolving requirements.
• Perform additional duties and assume responsibilities, as assigned by Head EITD.

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.

Deployment/Travel

The incumbent may be required to perform their duties on‑board Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.

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.

Professional Experience

• 5 or more years of senior‑level leadership in technology domain, e.g. defence industry, maritime unmanned systems, sensors or instruments.
• Proven leadership in evolving and challenging environments, including change management and service support.
• Proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and managing complex projects deliveries.
• Proven experience evaluating technical requirements from scientific projects – via functional specifications, analysis, feasibility studies, preliminary design, cost assessment, and resources compatibility.

Education / Professional Experience

Minimum requirements for education and experience:

• Master’s degree from a nationally recognised or certified university in engineering or related scientific discipline and 5 years relevant experience.

Or

• Bachelor’s degree from a nationally recognised or certified university in engineering or related scientific discipline and 8 years relevant experience.

Language Requirements

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

English SLP 4444

NOTE: Most of the work at CMRE is conducted in English.

Professional experience

• Knowledge of business development, and product management strategies and tools.
• Familiarity with advanced technologies in support to multi‑domain operations, experimentations and exercises.
• Experience in multi‑national environments.
• Knowledge of NATO procedures and regulations.
• Knowledge of NATO (or National) security accreditation process.

Education

• PhD in acoustics, oceanography, autonomous systems, sensing and communication technologies, or other maritime/applied technologies.

The successful Candidate possesses the following competencies and personal attributes:

• Leadership and Integrity – leads teams with fairness, accountability and clear direction.
• Results driven – delivers projects on time, on budget, and to high standards.
• Innovation and Improvement – drives practical solutions and continuous improvement.
• Judgement and Decision‑Making – handles complex issues with sound, timely decisions.
• Communication and Collaboration – excellent communication skills, able to communicate at all levels, builds relationships and represents the Centre.

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.

The duties are performed in an office, laboratory, workshop environment or on‑board Centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply.