YPP, Data Engineering & Artificial Intelligence

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP)

In a more dangerous and competitive security environment, NATO continues to do everything that is needed to keep one billion people across Europe and North America safe. We are strengthening our defences, responding swiftly and decisively to threats to our security, and working together – as allies and partners – to protect our freedom and shared interests.

We are launching an accelerator for your international career – the fourth cycle of our Young Professionals Programme (YPP). Through this global three-year programme, you will experience the frontline of a political and military alliance and start a journey of personal and professional development in a diverse and inclusive work environment. Together, we will ensure NATO continues to:

• respond with unity, strength and resolve to growing dangers to our security across the Euro-Atlantic area and in all domains – land, sea, air, space and cyberspace;

• build stronger defences by investing more in defence and accelerating defence production and innovation;

• harness new technologies for our security, and stay ahead in cutting-edge domains such as cyber and space;

• leverage partnerships, including with the European Union, individual countries and the private sector, to protect our freedom and shared interests; and

• contribute to fighting terrorism and rampant instability in NATO’s southern neighbourhood.

Do you want to make a difference and help protect close to one billion people across 32 NATO member states, including your own? If you are ready to take on this challenge, and are a national of a NATO member state, hold a Master’s degree and have at least one year of work experience, then apply for the YPP.

With you, we are stronger.

#WeAreNATO

Your role

During the three years of the programme, you will be assigned to three different NATO bodies:

For more information, please see the path narrative here. You can also find more information about the NATO bodies here & the NATO Young Professionals Programme here.

This is an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills in the broader area of Data Engineering & Artificial Intelligence. As you gain experience, you will be given increasing responsibilities, such as:

• Develop, implement and promote the use of data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in support of NATO policy development and NATO’s digital transformation;
• Work on data science and AI use cases that contribute to better decision-making and multi-domain military operations;
• Employ and assess state-of-the-art and emerging technologies, including advanced analytics, machine learning, large and small language models (LLMs/SLMs), agentic AI systems, and cloud/high-performance computing platforms to support their responsible adoption within NATO;
• Develop and maintain of models (in a wide sense: organizational, process, data, systems…), data environments and pipelines; study existing and prospect technologies to improve or integrate business processes in the systems engineering and capability development domains;
• Research and employ research and analysis techniques (e.g. modelling, simulation, war gaming, Analyses of Alternatives) in support of systems engineering and capability development activities;
• Stay ahead in data engineering & AI considering relevant cutting-edge domains such as cyber defense;
• Support the development of joint analysis of operations, training, exercises and experiments, based on technical requirements defined within the NATO enterprise;
• Contribute to the transition of innovative data-driven and AI-enabled solutions into operational use, supporting their integration into mainstream business and engineering practices across the NATO enterprise;
• Support change management and stakeholder engagement activities required for the adoption and integration of new digital capabilities, tools and methodologies;
• Constantly scout for new ideas, adoption of innovation and technological developments of relevance to the Alliance;
• Coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders across NATO, Allies, Partners and Industry in support of achieving allied objectives.
• Inform the Strategic Level about military implications of Technological Innovation; and,
• Research new trends within the areas of responsibilities of Data Science & Innovation.

Who we are looking for

The changing pace of the world demands that NATO and its people remain flexible, eager to learn and able to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. For a YPP position, we are looking for candidates with at least one year of professional experience.

For the YPP, Data Engineering & Artificial Intelligence path, we are generally interested in the following educational backgrounds:

• Masters’ degree in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) - particularly in data engineering, AI/ML, data analytics, or related fields;

• Any other degree that you believe can be useful to the area of Data Science & Innovation – let us know how your knowledge and skills can be applied

Any of the following experience or skills would be considered as an asset:

• Academic knowledge or professional experience Data Science, Data/Systems Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), or Operational Research & Analysis;

• Understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science, including but not limited to technology and policy matters, particularly as applicable to security and defence;

• Experience with writing policy reports on technology topics, preferably in the areas of AI and data;

• Genuine interest in Technology Innovation topics in international and multidisciplinary contexts;

• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g. Power BI, Matlab, KNIME, Python, or VBA) preferably in the context of a project;

• Experience with Natural Language Processing, data/machine learning engineering, or computer vision;

• Knowledge of NATO, its policies, priorities, and operational context;

• Prior professional experience or internship with other International Organisations, National Administration, research or the technology industry;

• Relevant training or certification(s) related to Data Science, AI, Innovation and project/ program management;

• Strong analytical thinking and drafting skills;

• Proactive mindset, a can-do attitude, and willingness to learn and share knowledge;

• Ability to work effectively in teams, excellent communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills, including active listening, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills;

• Ability to support change management and the adoption of innovative technologies and methodologies within complex organisational environments;

• Curious & innovative mindset.

What we offer

NATO will offer the Young Professionals:

• An experience of a lifetime at the forefront of an international organization where you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills and expand your professional network;

• A diverse and stimulating work and personal experience where you will be assigned to three different NATO bodies around the globe, one each year; and,

• A competitive salary and other benefits, including excellent health insurance and a generous annual leave package of 30 days

Are you interested in being part of NATO and the YPP?  Apply by 31 May 2026 [23:59 – Brussels time]

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);

• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

Please note that at the time of the interviews, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.

More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (https://www.nato.int/en/work-with-us/careers).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.