YPP, Space Innovation & Engineering

NATO•Brussels, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a three-year global program designed to launch international careers within NATO. It offers participants the chance to experience the frontline of a political and military alliance, fostering personal and professional development in a diverse and inclusive environment. The program aims to ensure NATO can effectively respond to growing dangers, strengthen defenses through investment and innovation, harness new technologies, leverage partnerships, and contribute to stability. This specific path focuses on Space Innovation & Engineering, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and skills in this critical domain.

Requirements

National of a NATO member state.
Master's degree.
At least one year of professional experience.
Master’s degree in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), dedicated Telecommunications/Space Engineering (aerospace, electronic, telecommunications), Security Studies, International Relations, Political Science or related fields such as Law or Public Administration.
Any other degree that you believe can be useful to the area of Space Engineering, Innovation and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies – let us know how your knowledge and skills can be applied!

Nice To Haves

Professional experience with Space Engineering, Innovation or policy in the private sector, academia, think-tank and/or government innovation arms in NATO Member or partner countries.
Knowledge of Space basics (e.g., orbital mechanics, satellite-based products and services, main space programmes and capabilities), Space technologies (especially for Space Situational Awareness, Earth Observation, SATCOM, Navigation) and counter-space technologies.
Experience with Space programmes involving multiple stakeholders (e.g., industry, nations) in a strategic, technical or business development capacity.
Strong interest in Space military applications (specifically in the areas of Space Situational Awareness, Space-based ISR / Earth Observation, SATCOM, Navigation).
Passion for Space innovation projects & policy development that drives change. High motivation to exploit technology and innovative ways of working.
Technology literacy and an ability to draw strategic implications from technical expert communities.
Demonstrate strong interest in Space and one of NATO’s identified Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (e.g., for artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, novel materials and advanced manufacturing or next-generation communications networks).
Interest in novel and non-traditional approaches to defence acquisition, planning and capability development, ideally with an understanding from a national perspective.
Familiarity with the strategic issues and security challenges facing the Alliance.
Ability to persuade key stakeholders of strategic implications of technological change, including by translating technical concepts for generalist audiences.
Experience with one or more data analysis tool (such as Power BI, Matlab, KNIME, Python, VBA) preferably in the context of a project.
Any additional training/ certification(s) related to Innovation & Emerging Technologies (such as Digital Transformation course, Professional Scrum Course) and project or program management certification.
Curious & innovative mindset.
Strong analytical & drafting skills.
Proactivity, can do attitude & willingness to learn and share information.
Teamwork, excellent communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Work with Allies, the NATO space enterprise and industry to support the development and delivery of space capabilities and their implementation.
Develop research and analysis of new Space technology, with a focus on military applications.
Provide products needed to establish framework agreements between NATO, Nations, and industry on multinational or common-funded programs.
Develop and implement policy, doctrine, direction, and guidance in the Space area.
Understand and exploit the benefits offered by Space.
Contribute to public information efforts highlighting the importance of the space domain for Alliance societies, economies, and military.
Research opportunities for innovation in the Space domain by engaging with stakeholders within NATO, Allied governments, academia, start-ups, venture investors, and other tech actors.
Research how adversaries and competitors may be developing and leveraging the Space operational domain and new Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), and attempting to acquire NATO's EDTs.
Examine the convergence between different EDTs and their potential impact.
Support teams at NATO working towards a culture of innovation by embracing agile approaches to decision-making and seeking to uncover institutional barriers to the Alliance’s tech readiness.
Establish an understanding of the NATO Enterprise’s ways of working to integrate innovative approaches for NATO stakeholders to adapt to dynamic trends.
Support and facilitate the discussion, development, and implementation of innovative initiatives in the form of policies, processes, or technologies.
Support NATO’s efforts in systematically introducing innovation in defense planning and capability development processes and activities in the Space area.
Contribute to public diplomacy efforts on NATO’s innovation & Space activities.
Inform the Strategic Level about military implications of Technological Space Innovation.
Research new trends within the areas of responsibilities of Space, Innovation & EDTs.