Emerging Technology Analyst

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 professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise to key client projects.

About the role

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO’s leading agent for change, driving, facilitating, and advocating continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities. ACT supports NATO missions and operations, leads military transformation, and enhances relationships with partners, nations, and international organisations. It leads concept development, capability development, training, and lessons-learned initiatives while providing military support to policy development.

The Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS) program under DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) guides and coordinates activities for the Capability Development Directorate. The Requirements Division manages tasks supporting NATO capability requirements, with the Capability Requirements (CR) Branch developing briefs and lifecycle management solutions. The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons) handles requirements development and engagement in Europe. The Capability Division coordinates capability development from planning through disposal, working with NATO entities and governance structures. The Capability Forward Branch (Mons) collaborates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, Host Nations, and Centres of Excellence. Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP) formalizes military advice to shape future strategy and policy.

This role focuses on analysing Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) to maintain NATO’s competitiveness and operational relevance. It supports the NATO Warfare Capstone Concept (NWCC), Warfare Development Agenda (WDA), and Technology Advantage initiatives through dedicated analytical support.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the identification and cataloguing of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs).
• Assess EDT implications and adoption opportunities in support of the Warfare Development Agenda.
• Promote experimentation of EDT-based solutions in realistic environments.
• Provide and coordinate input to EDT programming within ACT Science & Technology (S&T) POW for foresight, NDPP, multinational solutions, capability development, training, and education.
• Influence and exploit EDTs addressing capability shortfalls and impacting available capabilities.
• Provide input to EDT advice for strategic foresight analysis (SFA, FFAO), NATO defence planning (e.g., NDPP step 2), and capability/force development, including requirements formulation, concept development, experimentation, and Analysis of Alternatives (AoA).
• Identify capability shortfalls benefiting from EDT adoption by analysing NDPP products, operational Lessons Learned, and coordinating with ACT staff.
• Educate HQ SACT staff on EDT opportunities and risks.
• Organize and manage a knowledge base on EDT adoption for Warfare Development and enable information exchange between ACT, NATO, and national stakeholders.
• Act as a member of the Innovation Branch under Multi-Domain Force Development, executing tasks as directed by the Section Head Science and Technology.

Requirements

• Two years’ experience in acquisition, assembly, and interpretation of research & technology information.
• Knowledge of S&T information sources (e.g., defence research laboratories, academic institutions, media, defence ministries).
• Experience interpreting future S&T and EDT-related information to assess military applications and address operational challenges.
• Proficiency with PC office automation products and internet-based research.
• Ability to conduct analytical work on EDT documentation, identify adoption pathways, and develop practical examples of emerging technology applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a nationally recognised university in computer science, information and communication technology, or a closely related scientific/engineering discipline, plus 4 years of relevant experience.
• Alternatively, 6 years of extensive and progressive experience in duties related to the post may compensate for the lack of a degree.

Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency in English (STANAG 6001 SLP 3333 or equivalent).

Schedule

• Contract duration: January 2027 – December 2030.
• Working location: Norfolk, VA, USA (on-site).

Security Clearance

Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance required.