Data Scientist/Ai Engineer (Focus Wargaming Integration)

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

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO’s leading agent for change: driving, facilitating, and advocating the continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance. The main objectives of ACT are: providing appropriate support to NATO missions and operations; leading NATO military transformation; and improving relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. ACT therefore leads Alliance concept development, capability development, training and lessons-learned initiatives and provides unfettered military support to policy development within NATO.

The program 

Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS)

 DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) acts as the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation's Director for guidance, direction and coordination of the activities and resources of the Capability Development Directorate.

The Requirements Division will execute all tasks and activities needed to support requirements management for NATO capabilities

The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch will develop the Capability Requirements Brief and recommended courses of action to resolve issues through the life cycle management of requirements using matrixed, cross-functional project-specific Requirements Management teams.

The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons) is responsible for conducting requirements development and management representation and engagement-related functions in Europe.

The Capability Division coordinates the development of capabilities from capability planning through acceptance and then disposal with management entities, NATO Headquarters staff and the NATO Governance Structure

The Capability Forward Branch (Mons) coordinates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, territorial Host Nations, and NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) to support the development of capabilities.

Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP) supports Allied Command Transformation in formalizing military advice to shape future military strategy, political guidance, and other policy documents supporting NATO’s strategic objectives.

Role Background

Data Exploitation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are essential elements of NATO’s digital transformation, enabling and driving faster, data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency. These technologies are crucial for building a more adaptive and responsive NATO, prepared to meet the challenges of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and a rapidly evolving security landscape. As NATO's command dedicated to future warfare, Allied Command Transformation (ACT) leads efforts to explore, develop, and integrate latest technologies into military capabilities to transform the Alliance.

Wargaming has been recognized by NATO as a critical tool for future warfare development. It is essential for planning and decision-making, simulating complex military scenarios to provide strategic, operational, and tactical insights. ACT is delivering wargaming capabilities for NATO, employing it wargaming to understand military challenges and explore new technologies and strategies. ACT aims to refine NATO’s use of wargaming by integrating AI, thereby enhancing its capabilities and accelerating AI adoption.

The contractor will join the Data Science and AI Team, ACT’s cross-functional hub for data science, data exploitation and Artificial Intelligence. This team facilitates collaboration, provide access to resources and expertise, ensuring efficient use of technologies. The AI Integrator will play a key role in supporting the seamless integration of AI into NATO’s wargaming efforts and broader digital transformation initiatives.

Role Responsibilities

• Contribute to the integration of AI in NATO’s warfare development efforts, particularly wargaming.
• Collaborate with wargaming experts to identify key areas for AI enhancement.
• Support the development of a roadmap for AI integration into NATO wargaming.
• Implement data collection and analysis methods for wargaming datasets.
• Develop real-time analytics and visualizations to support decision-making during wargaming simulations.
• Support human-machine teaming by integrating AI tools for enhanced collaboration.
• Design and conduct experiments to test AI applications in wargaming scenarios.
• Document and present findings from AI integration experiments.
• Ensure data integrity and security in all AI-related wargaming activities, considering, for example, NATO’s Principles of Responsible Use.
• Provide technical guidance to wargaming experts on AI technologies.
• Develop analytical reports summarizing AI-enhanced wargaming exercises.
• Explore AI applications to automate administrative tasks.
• Participate in workshops, conferences, and meetings to stay updated on AI technologies.
• Support training development for NATO personnel on AI in wargaming.
• Develop multimedia content, such as short videos for wargaming scenarios or preparatory materials and explore the use of AI technologies for video generation.
• Willingness to travel up to 30 days per year for meetings, conferences and exercises.
• Perform additional tasks as required by the COTR related to Data Science & AI integration.
• As directed by the COTR, the contractor can be required to travel on official business in support of ACT both within and outside NATO’s boundaries for up to 30 days per year or as agreed. The contractor shall be responsible for completing a Contractor Travel Request Form and follow the ACT Financial Manual Chapter 24 – Contractor Travel: (https://www.act.nato.int/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/afm24.pdf)

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in integrating AI technologies into practical applications, particularly in decision-support, simulations, strategic planning, or operational analysis.
• Proficiency in AI and machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) and AI integration techniques (e.g., API deployment, model fine-tuning, reinforcement learning).
• Experience using generative AI models, in particular Large Language Models (LLMs), for simulations, decision-support, or interactive environments.
• Demonstrated experience (minimum of 3 years in the last 8 years) in data collection, analysis, and visualization using tools such as Python, R, Tableau, or Power BI for operational insights, scenario modelling, or AI-driven decision-support.
• Understanding of wargaming principles and ability to analyze, propose, and evaluate AI integration opportunities at strategic, operational, and tactical levels—without requiring prior wargaming experience.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams particularly in translating AI capabilities into solutions.
• Experience in managing AI-related projects, including planning, execution, evaluation and experimentation.
• Ability to apply AI-driven multimedia tools (e.g., AI-generated video, interactive content, briefings) to enhance e.g. wargaming scenarios or decision-support.
• Knowledge of data security principles and best practices.
• Proven ability to design and apply AI solutions in dynamic environments, demonstrating adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving in AI deployment.
• Awareness of and ability to address ethical or responsible use when deploying AI in sensitive environments (e.g., military, security).

Education

• University degree in Data Science, Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, or a related field OR equivalent professional experience (minimum 4 years) in Data Science, ML, AI within the last 7 years, with at least 4 years focusing on AI capability integration (not pure development) in a professional environment (not including studies).

Language Proficiency

• Advanced Proficiency in English.

Working Location

• Norfolk, VA, USA

Working Policy

• On-Site

Contract Duration

• June 2025 – December 2028

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance