Linux System Administrator

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 Duties and Responsibilities

• Patch and maintain all Linux-based systems, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) across NATO locations.
• Support patching of Oracle Linux environments where applicable.
• Ensure patch compliance and consistent update cycles across large-scale, distributed Linux environments.
• Use Ansible and Linux management tools (e.g., Oracle Linux Manager or similar) for automated patch deployment and configuration.
• Conduct pre-patch testing to validate compatibility and reduce the risk of service interruption.
• Perform post-patch validation to confirm stability, performance, and functional integrity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex patch-related and system-level issues.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation for patch cycles, system configurations, and operational procedures.
• Ensure all systems adhere to security, hardening, and operational compliance standards.
• Coordinate patch schedules, communicate maintenance windows, and support out-of-hours operations when required.
• Support mission-critical operations by ensuring high reliability and resilience of Linux systems.

Essential Skills and Experience

• 3-5+ years of hands-on experience administering and patching Linux systems, specifically RHEL, while familiarity with Oracle Linux is an advantage.
• Strong expertise in Linux system administration (services, networking basics, storage, package management).
• Practical experience with automation/configuration tools, such as Ansible, Oracle Linux Manager (OLM) or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to run structured pre- and post-patch validation processes in production environments.
• Skilled in diagnosing and resolving issues involving dependencies, performance, and stability.
• Understanding of system hardening, security baselines, and compliance requirements.
• Strong documentation abilities and adherence to procedural workflows.
• Ability to work independently in a secure, mission-critical operational environment.

Working Location

• Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium

Working Policy

• On-Site, out-of-hours work may be required.

Travel

• Occasional travel to other NATO sites.

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance.