Senior ICT Systems Engineer - NATO FAS Specialist

We are seeking an experienced ICT Systems Engineer with hands-on expertise in NATO Functional Area Services (FAS) and Communities of Interest (COI) systems. Based on-site in Norfolk, VA, you will be embedded with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), keeping critical command-and-control systems healthy, available, and performant. Your day-to-day work spans Windows and Linux server environments, database administration, and enterprise service management-along with direct support to NATO exercises when they spin up. If you have deep roots in the NATO systems engineering community and want to stay hands-on-keyboard in a mission-driven environment, this role is a strong fit., Own the health and availability of COI/FAS systems day-to-day, monitoring performance and stepping in to resolve issues before they become outages.

Configure, maintain, and optimize Windows and Linux servers, SQL Server and Oracle databases, and core enterprise services like DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, Group Policy, and ADFS.

Serve as a technical resource for FAS and C2 system interoperability, helping teams across NATO commands work from a common, stable platform.

Troubleshoot and resolve system, application, and database incidents as they come in-some planned, some not.

Support NATO exercises by standing up, adapting, and validating system configurations to meet exercise-specific requirements.

Write and maintain scripts (PowerShell, Python, Bash, JavaScript) to automate recurring administrative and operational tasks.

Perform system maintenance, patching, and security hardening, including identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.

Provide hands-on technical support to end users and coordinate across stakeholder groups spanning multiple domains and commands.

Document configurations, procedures, and lessons learned so the team isn't relying on tribal knowledge.

Perform occasional physical tasks including equipment lifting (up to 25 lbs) and desk installations as needed.

• Extensive experience managing and administering COI/FAS systems, including hands-on support to NATO exercises and cross-command interoperability.
• Strong expertise in Windows and Linux server administration, system configuration, performance tuning, and security hardening.
• Advanced database management skills with Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle.
• Proficiency in enterprise IT services including DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, Group Policy Objects (GPO), and Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS).
• Proficiency in scripting languages (PowerShell, Python, Bash, JavaScript) for automation and operational efficiency.
• Proven troubleshooting and end-user support capabilities in mission-critical environments.
• SME-level knowledge of NATO C2 systems, ICT architectures, and cybersecurity practices.
• Experience working in multinational NATO or coalition environments.
• Active Secret Security Clearance.
• A thorough knowledge of English, both written and spoken., * Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified, CCNA, Oracle DBA, or equivalent).
• Experience with NATO Software Factory or Azure DevOps environments.
• Familiarity with ITIL frameworks and IT service management practices.

DEFTEC offers a comprehensive whole-life benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, holiday, paid time off, 401K with a match, life insurance, short/long-term disability, and educational reimbursement.

DEFTEC delivers mission-critical solutions through skillfully delivered services and innovative products. We are inspired by the critical missions of our clients and driven to deliver the most effective solutions to execute them, address operational challenges, and meet their requirements. Our dedicated, experienced, and talented employees work closely with our clients to deliver exceptional services and products.