Support NIRIS development

The contractor (software developer or small team) shall be responsible for supporting the development, maintenance, testing, integration, and documentation of the NIRIS software system under NCIA guidance.

1. Software Development & Maintenance

• Develop, update, maintain, and enhance NIRIS Java-based software modules.
• Implement functional improvements, defect fixes, and performance enhancements.
• Support evolution of the NIRIS baseline, including releases aligned with Java LTS versions.
• Perform refactoring and technical upgrades to reduce obsolescence and improve maintainability.
• Ensure compatibility with existing NIRIS architecture and CI/CD pipelines.

2. System Integration & Interoperability

• Support integration of NIRIS components with external systems and data sources.
• Implement and maintain interoperability features (e.g. tactical data exchange formats and interfaces).
• Support testing and configuration of interfaces with external NATO systems and standards.
• Assist in interoperability events, test campaigns, and integration exercises.
• Troubleshoot and resolve integration issues across distributed systems.

3. Testing & Quality Assurance

• Develop and maintain unit tests and automated regression tests.
• Ensure adequate test coverage for delivered functionality.
• Execute and analyse test results, resolving or documenting failures.
• Support integration testing and system verification activities.
• Ensure delivered software meets defined quality and performance standards.

4. Logging, Monitoring & Troubleshooting

• Improve and maintain logging frameworks and configurations.
• Enhance log filtering, traceability, and debugging capabilities.
• Implement improvements for operational troubleshooting and incident analysis.
• Support better observability of system behavior across components.

5. Documentation

• Maintain and update technical documentation, including design and architecture documents.
• Update user manuals, interface specifications, and test documentation.
• Ensure documentation reflects current system state and release changes.
• Maintain version-controlled and compliant documentation in NCIA repositories.

6. Agile Delivery & Collaboration

• Work within Agile/Scrum methodologies (sprint planning, reviews, stand-ups).
• Collaborate with architects, test managers, and service delivery stakeholders.
• Provide progress updates and participate in technical coordination meetings.
• Deliver work in increments aligned with sprint and release planning.

7. Compliance & Security

• Develop in accordance with NCIA coding standards and secure development practices.
• Ensure compliance with configuration management and release procedures.
• Work within NATO Software Factory environments (e.g. GitLab/CI-CD pipelines).
• Maintain confidentiality and handle NATO SECRET classified information appropriately.

1. Technical Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of professional software development experience (full-stack or backend focus).
• Minimum 3 years of Java development experience (modern frameworks and backend services).
• Experience with TypeScript and/or Angular front-end development (min. 2 years).
• Experience with REST APIs, messaging systems, and system integration.
• Experience with near real-time or data-intensive systems (processing, filtering, dissemination).
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Git-based workflows, and DevOps practices (min. 3 years).
• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker).
• Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and automated testing frameworks.
• Experience working with distributed systems and multi-component architectures.

2. Domain & Methodology Requirements

• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.
• Understanding of software lifecycle (analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, maintenance).
• Experience defining acceptance criteria and test scenarios.
• Familiarity with interoperability and data exchange standards (defence or similar environments preferred).
• Knowledge of Tactical Data Links is highly desirable.

3. Tooling & Environment Requirements

• Experience using CI/CD tools (e.g. GitLab or equivalent).
• Experience working in secure, controlled development environments.
• Familiarity with version control, artifact repositories, and release management workflows.
• Experience with Linux-based development environments preferred.

4. Security Requirements

• Valid NATO SECRET clearance required prior to start.
• Compliance with secure coding and information handling policies.
• Ability to work within classified and regulated environments.

5. Soft Skills Requirements

• Strong communication skills in English (written and verbal).
• Ability to work in structured, technical, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Ability to collaborate with architects, testers, and project management teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while following technical direction.