Ground Safety Engineer

JOIN THE TEAM

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team as a Ground Safety Engineer, NATO Grade 17, within the Total Safety Branch of the Directorate Operational Airworthiness and Total Safety. In this critical role, you will serve as the principal advisor and subject-matter expert on ground safety, driving the development and implementation of Occupational Safety Health Management System (OSH-MS) integrated across NAEW&C Force operations. Your contribution will play a key role in fostering a proactive safety culture and ensuring mission readiness. This role demands strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, technical expertise, and the ability to operate across multiple safety domains in a complex, multinational environment. Please note that the post is due to be filled after 01 October 2026.

By joining our organization, you will be part of a diverse multinational team working together towards NATO`s common mission: safeguarding peace and promoting democratic values for over a billion people worldwide. We are committed to fostering a collaborative work environment built on mutual respect and professionalism, where every individual’s work makes a difference and has a meaningful impact on the mission and operation of the alliance. If this vision resonates with you, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Additionally, in the near future, we anticipate openings at Grade 10 or 12 for the role of Occupational Safety Assistant. Consequently, under this advertisement, we are also recruiting personnel for that role. Please note, however, that the Occupational Safety Assistant role (as well as its NATO grade) is subject to final approval. As the Occupational Safety Assistant, you would support the Ground Safety Engineer across all areas of the Occupational Safety and Health Management System, contributing to the effective implementation and maintenance of safety programs. The responsibilities entail providing subject-matter expertise as well as providing complex administrative support. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Ground Safety Engineer, serving as alternate resident expert in all OHS-MS issues and in the absence of the Ground Safety Engineer. During the application process, you will be asked in the accompanying questionnaire to indicate whether you are applying for both positions and/or willing to accept the Occupational Safety Assistant position, should you be deemed qualified as a ground safety expert but not selected for the Ground Safety Engineer role.

To learn more about the NAEW&C Force, click here: NATO AWACS | Home

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Preferably a university degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Aviation/Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a related field, paired with extensive and current professional experience in the relevant subject area;
• Extensive working knowledge of International, European and Host Nation (DEU) Ground Safety standards, legislation and regulations;
• Professional experience as an engineer in an aircraft/aerospace maintenance/operations environment;
• Extensive experience and strong skills in analyzing, interpreting, and drafting rules and regulations, as well as in Project Management;
• Strong leadership skills, along with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders and confidently brief various audiences;
• A good command of both English and German languages is essential, coupled with adequate knowledge of Automatic Data Processing (ADP) systems including advanced knowledge in Databases;
• Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (Sicherheitskraft) / Safety Engineer (Sicherheitsingenieur) in accordance with the German Occupational Safety Act (Arbeitssicherheitsgesetz – ASiG);
• Radiation Protection Officer (Strahlenschutzbeauftragter) in accordance with the German Radiation Protection Ordinance (Strahlenschutzverordnung – StrlSchV).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in an international and/or military environment, as well as knowledge of ground safety hazards related to aircraft operations, maintenance, and repair activities;
• Understanding of the logistical requirements of military air operational units;
• Familiarity with Occupational Health and Industrial Safety practices;
• Formal training in Environmental Protection (waste disposal, water protection, emission protection, dangerous goods);
• Training in Quality Management and Project Management;
• Familiarity with NATO ground safety standards, legislation, regulations and procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Ground Safety Engineer, you will lead and manage the Force Ground Safety (GS) and accident prevention programme, covering areas such as Industrial Safety, Radiation Protection, Occupational Health, Fire Prevention, Traffic and Weapon Safety. You will serve as the resident subject-matter expert, advising senior leadership on ground safety-related hazards and their operational impact.

Key duties include but are not limited to:

• Acting as a commissioned Ground Safety Engineer in line with German ASiG and as the Radiation Protection Officer per Host Nation law and EU directives.;
• Overseeing compliance with international, EU, and host nation safety regulations;
• Managing the GS Management System and coordinating accident investigations;
• Enabling, maintaining and documenting a formal risk assessment process for workplace-related hazards based on EU directive 89/391/EEC;
• Advising the NAEW&C Force Commander, subordinate commanders and staff on all aspects of GS-related hazards and their impact on military operations;
• Developing, coordinating, maintaining and implementing policies, standards, directives and manuals;
• Supporting facility and equipment projects with safety assessments throughout their lifecycle;
• Coordinating and conducting workplace analyses and surveys on any physical, chemical and/or biological hazards endangering staff and workplaces;
• Acting as the commissioned Radiation Protection Officer for Radioactive Material, X-Ray and Laser in accordance with Host Nation law;
• Coordinating and delivering GS training, maintaining safety records, and managing a GS awareness programme;
• Representing the Force in external safety-related forums and liaising with relevant civil and military authorities;
• Supporting emergency planning and acting as Safety Branch Funds Manager.

You can read the detailed description of the role here: NATO AWACS | Career

(Click on “Post Requirements Form”).

YOUR TEAM

The Directorate of Operational Airworthiness and Total Safety is responsible for the development of the policy for, and oversight of, the Force’s Operational Airworthiness Programme and the Force`s Safety and Risk Management Systems. The Total Safety Branch is responsible for the development of policy for, and oversight of the Aviation Safety (AS), Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Environmental Protection (EP) Safety Management Systems (SMS).

YOUR SKILLS

• Analytical thinking, resourceful and problem-solving mindset;
• Ability to brief, mentor and/or influence others;
• Integrity, self-drive and strong leadership,
• Regulatory knowledge, technical expertise, and the ability to operate across multiple safety domains in a complex, multinational environment.

HOW TO APPLY

Ready to make an impact?

Click here NATO - NATO Vacancies to apply directly via the Talent Requisition Platform. After creating a candidate account, select the job title you are applying for and complete the application form which includes a pre-screening questionnaire.

To learn more about the NAEW&C Force, click here: NATO AWACS | Home

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Please attach any documentation (proof of highest education, diplomas, certificates, testimonials etc.) that you consider to be particularly relevant to the qualification requirements specified in this advertisement. Any documentation submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by at least an unofficial translation. Please note that upon taking up duties, candidates will be asked to provide original certificates of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

CONTRACT

Serving civilian members of NATO will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

Newly recruited staff will be initially offered a definite duration contract of three years. Thereafter, an indefinite duration contract might be offered.

SALARY

Salary values indicated in this vacancy notice are based on NATO`S Single Salary Spine scale and is exempt from taxation.

As Ground Safety Engineer

G17: 8,925.26

As Occupational Safety Assistant (post/grade pending approval)

G10: 5,112.39

G12: 5,818.38

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

• Excellent tax-free salary, including (where eligible) expatriation, family and children's allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff;
• Education allowance for children (where appropriate) and an excellent private health insurance scheme;
• Generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible);
• Retirement Pension Plan.

TEST/INTERVIEW

Our recruitment team will provide further guidance for invited candidates.