Technical Support Engineer

Location: Maynila, Philippines

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we're driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

In the Philippines, Thales has been a trusted partner for over 20 years, supporting key customers across civil aviation, defence, and digital identity and security sectors. From banking and telecommunications to government services, Thales continues to provide solutions in technological advancements that bolster national security and enhance local defence capabilities.

The Technical Support Engineer is based in Manila, Philippines as the technical representative of Thales Airspace Mobility Solutions for purposes of supporting various projects pertaining to the Communications, Navigation Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) System operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

The Technical Support Engineer reports to the Manila based Site Deputy Project Manager as well as the engineering managers of the specific projects.

The Air Traffic Management System Upgrade Project will be the primary focus of the Technical Support Engineer with activities required for receipt and storage of hardware, installation, integration, testing, acceptance and support of the associated equipment and systems.

An installation subcontractor has been engaged to provide services to the Air Traffic Management System Upgrade Project and the Technical Support Engineer will be a key interface for the guidance and approval of the works completed by the subcontractor.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To successfully deliver complex project infrastructure as an installed and integrated solution for the Philippine Air Traffic Management System through managing subcontractors, scheduled works, activities and testing relevant to the systems installation and system and network integration segments.

The Technical Support Engineer is responsible for the provision of installation activities, and installer / contractor(s) supervision, for the respective project/activity.

The Technical Support Engineer is a key member of the Airspace Mobility Solutions Philippine Branch Office, that provides:

• Technical and resource supervisory input to Hardware Integration and Deployment engineering activities
• Skilled input to the hardware deployment and integration activities within the respective project engineering segment

RESPONSIBILITIES (Key Accountabilities And Responsibilities)
The Technical Support Engineer is responsible for the following:

• Performing hardware deployment and installation activities for the successful delivery of project milestones. Activities include:
• assisting with the design, installation and implementation of hardware, rack, console, structured cabling systems, fibre optic, copper, computer equipment and networks across various customer sites,
• ensuring infrastructure requirements and design including shop drawings, cable trays and paths, labelling schema, wiring schedules, rack and console equipment layouts etc, are met,
• leading the installation team (including subcontractors) for the installation of all site equipment,
• providing technical support for all site installation activities,
• arranging procurement of hardware and installation materials for projects,
• capturing and documenting the installed configuration,
• reviewing and updating the Engineering Deployment Documents, i.e. Site Installation Plans to as built documentation based on each site installation,
• performing and/or supporting installation test and acceptance activities including the qualification of subcontractor test artefacts, evidence and references with respect to both the acceptance and completion
• supporting the Systems Engineering Manager (SEM) with the assigned project engineering tasks,
• supporting other engineering teams as appropriate to the role,
• act as a single point of contact during site installation, testing and deployment activities,
• ensuring conformance of the installation to the design and customer requirement,
• ensuring conformance of all the installation activities in accordance with the Heath, Safety & Environment (HSE) Management Plan.
• The network integration activities include:
• reviewing and capturing implementation changes regarding solution architecture drawings, diagrams and Bill of Materials (BOM), including system interfaces,
• creating and/or updating Network Integration contributions to the Solution Specification and Design documentation, Hardware Acceptance Test Procedures, and other associated hardware integration documents,
• executing network configuration and parameters for the ATM solution(s) and coordinate with Hardware Deployment and Integration management for assembly of the ATM system. Also interface with Tools Engineering, Customer Service and Site Services departments where necessary to accomplish this task,
• detailing configuration design, load, validation and hand over network infrastructure and associated equipment to Software Integration on customer sites,
• configuration of external interfaces to OSI Layer 4 including application and security considerations,
• supporting configuration changes to system platforms in factory and customer sites,
• identifying risks at solution architecture level and propose where possible alternate validated solutions,
• following the engineering processes.

CHALLENGES

• Complexity in Air Traffic Control Systems
• Subcontractor technical and performance management
• Balancing competing priorities and workload

KEY COMMUNICATIONS
The Technical Support Engineer will report operationally to the Site Deputy Project Manager. The role will also communicate on a regular basis with the following stakeholders.

• Project Manager,
• System Engineering Manager, and
• Hardware Manager.

The Technical Support Engineer is expected to perform the following actions with or without prompting:

• Identify and encourage industry best practice within the engineering environment,
• Attend project meetings, as needed and as delegated by the Site Deputy Project Manager or Hardware Manager,
• Report to management any process conformity risks and project issues,
• Perform all allocated engineering activities on time,
• Actively manage any allocated budgets,
• Without prior agreement
• Scheduling and organisation of sub-tasking relevant to allocated tasks,
• Solutions to engineering issues faced on site within scope.
• Prioritisation of general daily tasks.
• Recommendations to Management,
• Strategic decisions regarding staffing / resourcing,
• Possible areas / activities suited for outsourcing.
• Risk management issues.

General / Special Requirements
GENERAL

• Comply with all relevant company Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) policies and framework and work practices with the intent of preventing or minimising accidental exposures to self, colleagues, visitors and/or the environment and to ensure safe work practises at all times.
• Demonstrate personal commitment and involvement to all matters relating to HSE. Participate in consultation, training and programs relating to HSE. Identify Risks and Hazards. Report incidents and provide feedback. Watch out for others, maintain awareness of and strive to achieve HSE goals & objectives set by the company and your specific domain.

Special Requirements

• Travel throughout Philippines is required.
• Drivers Licence essential.
• Ability to work on multiple programs concurrently self-managing.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Qualifications

• Electrical/Electronics/Computer Systems Engineer with a minimum of 3 years experience in networked computer system solutions.
• CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate (Routing & Switching)

Essential Experience

• Extensive previous experience in managing the physical delivery/installation of largescale complex mission critical systems,
• Supervision of subcontractors,
• ASNZ or MIL-STD Installation practises and management,
• Networking experience: 3+ years
• Linux experience (multiple distributions): 3+ years
• Previous experience in the verification & validation of hardware systems,
• Detailed knowledge of engineering documentation,
• Excellent customer facing skills

Desirable Experience

• Linux certification or related experience in large scale Linux based networked computer systems
• CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional (Routing & Switching)
• Negotiation with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Scripting (TCL/TK, Perl, & Shell)
• MS Visio / AUTOCAD experience,
• Advanced reporting and stakeholder management skills

At Thales, we're committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you'll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.